However, all current influenza tests in the US require an individual to visit a health care facility or pharmacy in order for a sample to be obtained. Typically testing involves an upper respiratory tract specimen (usually mid-turbinate or nasopharyngeal swab) by a health care professional, which is used to detect influenza either using on-site point of care or central laboratory assays. In the US, current clinical guidelines in ambulatory settings recommend testing for influenza in patients with ILI symptoms who are at risk for complications, or if testing will influence management such as starting antiviral treatment. This diagnostic challenge has major implications for influenza management because many people do not seek medical care for influenza like illnesses (ILI) until at least 2 days after symptom onset, thus missing the treatment window and allowing greater time for viral spread due to delayed initiation of infection control measures. This uncertainty can lead to over-prescribing of antibiotics (for presumed bacterial infections), as well as under-treatment of influenza since anti-influenza treatment is generally only recommended within 48 h of symptom onset except in severe cases. One main issue in effectively managing illness is differentiating influenza from other viral or bacterial respiratory tract infections. Health impact aside, the overall economic burden of seasonal influenza in the US from medical costs and indirect costs such as lost productivity is estimated to be $11.2 billion annually. In the United States (US) alone, there are 37.4–42.9 million infections per year, with approximately half leading to health care visits and 36,400–61,200 deaths. Seasonal influenza poses a substantial societal burden through morbidity and mortality annually. Earlier identification of study subjects within 48 h of symptom onset through inclusion criteria and rapid shipping of tests or pre-positioning tests is needed to allow self-testing earlier in the course of illness, when viral load is higher. Recruiting individuals outside clinical settings who self-report ILI symptoms may lead to lower rates of influenza and/or less severe disease. ConclusionsĪ mobile app facilitated study procedures to determine the accuracy of a home based test for influenza, however, test sensitivity was low. The sensitivity and specificity of participants’ interpretation of the test result compared to the laboratory reference standard were 14% (95%CI 5–28%) and 90% (95%CI 87–92%), respectively. Of those who started their test, 92% reported a self-test result. Influenza positivity was 5.9% based on the laboratory reference test. ResultsĪnalysis included 739 participants, 80% were 25–64 years of age, 79% female, and 73% white. Test accuracy results were compared to the reference swab tested in a research laboratory for influenza A/B using a molecular assay. Participants tested the index swab using a lateral flow assay. Participants downloaded a mobile app, which guided them through two low nasal swab self-samples. This cross-sectional study recruited adults who self-reported ILI online. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a mobile app-guided influenza rapid self-test for adults with influenza like illness (ILI), and identify optimal methods for conducting accuracy studies for home-based assays for influenza and other respiratory viruses. Rapid self-tests could improve access to influenza testing in community settings. Be sure to follow the instructions provided for more detailed directions.Seasonal influenza leads to significant morbidity and mortality. You’ll need to add liquid drops from the tube onto the reader and wait at least 15 minutes for the results. The final step is to interpret the results of the antigen test.You’ll need to perform a shallow swab collection in the naval cavity before mixing with the buffer liquid in the tube. Perform the test by following the instructions provided.Put on your personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and a mask. Follow proper infection control procedures by washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.Take a moment to explain the test to the person being tested by telling them how the test works, how long it will take and any additional instructions they may need to follow.Gather the necessary equipment, including gloves, masks, alcohol-based hand sanitizer and COVID-19 test kits.If you need to administer a rapid COVID-19 test on another individual, follow the 5 simple steps below for quick and easy results:
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