Comparison of a rapid antigen test with nucleic acid testing during cocirculation of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 and seasonal influenza A/H3N2

J Clin Microbiol. 2010 Jan;48(1):290-1. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01465-09. Epub 2009 Nov 4.

Abstract

The rapid diagnosis of influenza is critical in optimizing clinical management. Rapid antigen tests have decreased sensitivity in detecting pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus compared to seasonal influenza A subtypes (53.4% versus 74.2%, P < 0.001). Nucleic acid tests should be used to detect pandemic influenza virus when rapid antigen tests are negative.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Viral / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunoassay / methods*
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / genetics
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / immunology
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / isolation & purification*
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / genetics
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / immunology
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / isolation & purification*
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis*
  • Influenza, Human / virology*
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods*
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques / methods*
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • RNA, Viral