Performance of Binax NOW Flu A and B and direct fluorescent assay in comparison with a composite of viral culture or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for detection of influenza infection during the 2006 to 2007 season

Mahbubur Rahman, Mary F. Vandermause, Burney A. Kieke, Edward A. Belongia

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Binax NOW Flu A and Flu B (Binax NOW), direct fluorescent assay (DFA), and viral culture were evaluated and compared with a composite of viral culture or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Participants with medically attended acute respiratory illness were identified through active surveillance during the 2006 to 2007 season, and consenting individuals (n = 932) were tested for influenza by culture and RT-PCR. Physicians ordered a rapid antigen test (Binax NOW [n = 73] or DFA [n = 70]) according to their clinical judgment. The Binax NOW detected 11 of 18 influenza infections (sensitivity, 61%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 36-83%), whereas DFA detected 17 of 21 influenza infections (sensitivity 81%, 95% CI, 58-95%). Compared with culture/RT-PCR, specificity of both Binax NOW and DFA was 100%. During the 2006 to 2007 influenza season, DFA and Binax NOW demonstrated high specificity but failed to identify a substantial proportion of influenza infections.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)162-166
Number of pages5
JournalDiagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
Volume62
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Binax NOW
  • Direct fluorescent assay
  • Influenza virus
  • Rapid test
  • Sensitivity
  • Specificity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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