Performance of the Influ a + B K-SeT® assay as compared to two RT-PCR assays for detection of influenza virus

Objectives: To evaluate the performance of Influ A + B K-SeT®, a rapid influenza antigen detection kit, in order to determine whether its implementation as a point-of-care test in the emergency room (ER) is justified. Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs (n = 170) were collected in triplicates from patients with suspected influenza infection. One sample was tested by the Influ A + B K-SeT® kit and the other two samples were analyzed with Simplexa™ Flu A/B & RSV Direct Kit and Xpert® Flu, two RT-PCR-based assays routinely used in the ER. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the Influ A + B K-SeT® kit were 91.2%–94.5% and 98.2%, respectively, compared to the Xpert® Flu assay and the Simplexa™ Flu A/B & RSV Direct Kit, respectively. Conclusions: Considering the satisfactory diagnostic performance of the Influ A + B K-SeT® test, its implementation as a point-of-care is expected to aid in decision-making, minimize time-to-result and reduce healthcare costs.