A study published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection shows that the bedside use of a rapid influenza digital immunoassay among children in an emergency ward may help reduce costs and enhance antimicrobial stewardship strategy.
Researchers conducted the study at a pediatric emergency department in France between January and March 2016. They tested nasopharyngeal aspirates samples from 514 children with flu-like symptoms using a rapid influenza digital immunoassay as well as immunofluorescence and/or molecular routine assays.
The study shows the use of the digital immunoassay at bedside decreased the prescription of:
• Blood puncture by 47.9 percent
• Chest X-rays by 69 percent
• Lumbar puncture by 77.8 percent
• Urine culture by 79.2 percent
Additionally, bedside use of the digital immunoassay reduced antibiotic treatments by 70.1 percent and hospital stays by 25 percent. It also reduced medical costs by an estimated $78,308-plus in a season.