Assessment Tools and Diagnostic Tests in Adults and Children
Rapid Influenza Test Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that causes mild to severe respiratory and systemic symptoms. The manifestations of influenza include sudden onset of high fever, non- productive cough, myalgia, malaise, headaches, sore throat, and rhinitis. Most people infected with the virus recover within a week without medical treatment. However, some groups are at higher risk of developing complications such as pneumonia or death, including pregnant women, children under five years old, the elderly population, and those with chronic or immunosuppressive medical conditions (World Health Organization, 2018). Healthcare providers diagnose most cases of influenza clinically (Gaitonde et al., 2019). However, due to influenza- like illnesses, especially during periods of low influenza activity, differentiation from other pathogens may be challenging. Hence, performing laboratory testing may be necessary to help with diagnosis and treatment decisions. This case study focuses on rapid influenza testing in adults and children, including its purpose, testing method, and the information it gathers. This paper also evaluates the test's sensitivity, reliability, and predictive values.
Rapid Influenza Test in Adults and Children What is the Purpose of the Test Rapid influenza testing allows medical professionals to quickly confirm and accurately treat active influenza infections. Different tests vary in which influenza virus type they can detect and whether they can distinguish between them. Rapid influenza tests have a turnaround time of 15 to 30 minutes, which is helpful since conventional testing, such as reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays, may take approximately one to eight hours to complete (Dolin, 2022). Prompt diagnosis is crucial for optimal management of infected patients, especially in children, who are often difficult to diagnose because other respiratory viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus, can cause signs and symptoms similar to influenza (van Esso et al., 2020). How to Conduct the Test? Rapid influenza tests can either detect viral antigens (rapid influenza diagnostic test [RIDT]) or viral nucleic acids (rapid molecular assays). The acceptable specimens vary depending on the type of test, but nasopharyngeal (NP) swab, nasal swab, aspirate or wash, or throat swab are the most common specimens collected (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). A swab test requires the insertion of sterile polyester, Dacron, or rayon swab into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, or less than one inch into the nostril, depending on the type of test. The patient must tilt their head back 70 degrees to accomplish this efficiently. If using an NP swab, it is essential to leave it in place for several seconds to absorb the secretions. If using a nasal swab, rotating the swab multiple times against the nasal wall will ensure adequate specimen collection. The tester must avoid touching the patient's tongue with the swab when performing oropharyngeal testing to prevent contamination.
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