Respiratory viral point of care testing (POCT) allows improved infection control and bed management during an influenza outbreak

We present findings from the first 2 weeks after implementation of this novel service.Results: Of 130 patients tested, 57 cases of influenza were identified, of the following strains: 41 B, 14 A H3 and 2 A H1 2009.The average time from receipt of sample to test result was 12 hours for n = 25 samples sent to the microbiology lab via the traditional method. In contrast, POCT results were available in 43 minutes.29 of 57 influenza patients underwent POCT whilst in ED prior to admission, of whom 22 could be appropriately admitted as per infection control (IC) measures and 7 safely discharged.Of the 50 admitted, 32 were discharged home without any bed/ward moves as they had been correctly placed in the appropriate IC cohort bay from the outset. None required ITU.Discussion: We have demonstrated that POCT leads to rapid confirmation of influenza and allows informed early decision making, reducing flu contacts and bed closures.
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Respiratory infections Source Type: research