The impact of rapid molecular diagnostic testing for respiratory viruses on outcomes for emergency department patients.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE:To determine whether rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for influenza and respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) in emergency departments (EDs) is associated with better patient and laboratory outcomes than standard multiplex PCR testing. DESIGN, SETTING:A before-and-after study in four metropolitan EDs in New South Wales. PARTICIPANTS:1491 consecutive patients tested by standard multiplex PCR during July-December 2016, and 2250 tested by rapid PCR during July-December 2017. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Hospital admissions; ED length of stay (LOS); test turnaround time; patient receiving test result before leaving the ED; ordering of other laboratory tests. RESULTS:Compared with those tested by standard PCR, fewer patients tested by rapid PCR were admitted to hospital (73.3% v 7

SUBMITTER: Wabe N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6617970 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature