A pragmatic randomized controlled trial of rapid on-site influenza and respiratory syncytial virus PCR testing in paediatric and adult populations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rapid/point-of-care respiratory virus nucleic acid tests (NAT) may improve oseltamivir, antibiotic, diagnostic test, and hospital bed utilization. Previous randomized controlled trials (RCT) on this topic have not used standard procedures of an accredited healthcare and laboratory system.

Methods

We conducted a parallel RCT at two hospitals [paediatric = Alberta Children's Hospital (ACH); primarily adult = Peter Lougheed Centre (PLC)]. Patients with a respiratory viral testing order were randomized to testing at either a central accredited laboratory (standard arm) or with a rapid polymerase chain reaction test at an on-site accredited laboratory followed by standard testing [rapid on-site test (ROST) arm] based on day of specimen receipt at the laboratory. Patien

SUBMITTER: Bibby HL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9667852 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature