Are there studies available for evaluating the clinical outcomes of rapid tests for influenza virus performed at the POC?
Guideline 117. The guideline developers found that the literature supports the lack of sensitivity and accuracy of clinical criteria alone for the diagnosis of influenza virus infection. Therefore, additional testing, including POCT, may be useful. These tests should only be used for POCT when the virus is prevalent in the community, and negative results should not be used to rule out influenza virus infections. Only nasopharyngeal swabs, aspirates, or washings should be used with these assays. The sensitivities of the tests using throat swabs are 60% or less. During the peak of an outbreak, not every single patient with flu symptoms needs to be tested, unless a positive result will result in the withholding of antibiotics. The greatest cost benefit is achieved when unnecessary antibiotics are not prescribed for patients with positive influenza virus test results. If treating with antivirals is being considered, the patient must be treated within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms
