Rapid flu tests work better in kids than adults
February 16th, 2010 - 4:47 pm ICT by IANSWashington, Feb 16 (IANS) A new test can diagnose flu within 30 minutes, but studies have shown these tests often give false negative results.
A new study examined Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Testing (RIDTs) in a large number of paediatric patients and found the tests may be more effective at diagnosing flu in children rather than in adults.
A total of 820 children with flu-like illness were tested for respiratory viruses over two flu seasons - 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.
Study authors found RIDTs were more sensitive in children aged five and younger and in patients who were tested within two days of symptom onset, says a release of the American Academy of Paediatrics.
The authors suggest that RIDTs may have a role in diagnosing 2009 H1N1 influenza in this population, who are more likely to develop influenza-related complications, more likely to transmit influenza, and more likely to benefit from antiviral therapy.
These findings are slated for publication in the March issue of Paediatrics.
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Tags: 30 minutes, adults, american academy, antiviral therapy, diagnostic testing, false negative results, flu, flu in children, flu like, flu seasons, h1n1, influenza, new test, paediatric patients, population, respiratory viruses, study authors, symptom onset
