Analytical performance of the BD veritor (TM) system for rapid detection of influenza virus A and B in a primary healthcare setting

Abstract

Background: Infections with influenza A virus cannot be clinically differentiated from infections caused by influenza B virus or other respiratory viruses. Additionally, although antiviral treatment is available for influenza A virus, it is not effective for the other viruses and must be initiated early in the course of disease for it to be effective. For these reasons, there is a need for a rapid, accurate diagnostic test for use in physicians' offices at the time patients are seen. We report the first field performance of BD Veritor (TM) System for Rapid Detection of Flu A + B test compared to real time PCR. The performance of this test was compared to real time PCR performed in the Istanbul University Influenza Reference Laboratory.