Is repeating direct-fluorescent antibody testing for influenza beneficial? Journal Article

  


Authors: Manning, E. P.; Moskowitz, C. S.
Article Title: Is repeating direct-fluorescent antibody testing for influenza beneficial?
Abstract: Direct fluorescent-antibody testing (DFA) is a cost-effective test for influenza when prevalence is low; however, the high false-negative rate (FNR) of DFA, approximately 30%, concerns physicians, particularly when prevalence is high. Whether repeating DFA testing in clinic will reduce FNR has not been addressed in the literature. This brief report evaluates whether there is benefit to performing two DFAs in clinic. It is shown that repeating DFA-testing decreases the FNR but also increases the false-positive rate. Theoretical benefits of repeating DFA in clinic are negligible and costly because repeat DFAs in clinic settings are not independent of one another. Repeating a DFA in clinic, therefore, is not beneficial. These findings support that DFA testing is an excellent option for initial testing of patients with suspected high viral load, and real-time polymerase chain reaction testing should then be performed in DFA-negative specimens. © Connecticut State Medical Society. All rights reserved.
Journal Title: Connecticut Medicine
Volume: 82
Issue: 8
ISSN: 0010-6178
Publisher: Connecticut State Medical Society  
Date Published: 2018-09-01
Start Page: 487
End Page: 488
Language: English
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85053375252&partnerID=40&md5=8b5b02c6f9d12125e51f8292a0714ea3
Notes: Short Survey -- Export Date: 1 October 2018 -- Source: Scopus