Impact of Rapid Molecular Respiratory Virus Testing on Real-Time Decision Making in a Pediatric Emergency Department

Acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) are usually viral [influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)] and account for 25% of emergency department (ED) peak-season visits. Laboratory respiratory PCR testing is accurate albeit slow for ED management, whereas rapid antigen testing is inaccurate. We determined the impact of bedside influenza/RSV PCR (molecular point-of-care test; mPOCT) on pediatric ARI management. This was a prospective cohort study of consecutive pediatric patients with ED-ordered respiratory PCR test, enrolled over 9 weeks during peak flu season.
Source: Journal of Molecular Diagnostics - Category: Pathology Authors: Tags: Regular Article Source Type: research