Evaluation of the Xpert Flu for the Detection of Influenza A Virus and Influenza A/H1N1/2009 Strain.
10.5145/ACM.2013.16.3.140
- Author:
Ji Yeon SOHN
1
;
Kyung Sun PARK
;
Ji Youn KIM
;
Chang Seok KI
;
Nam Yong LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. mrmicro@skku.edu
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype;
Real-Time ready Influenza A/H1N1 Detection Set;
Xpert Flu
- MeSH:
Adenoviridae;
Coronavirus;
Influenza A virus;
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype;
Influenza, Human;
Limit of Detection;
Metapneumovirus;
Pandemics;
Paramyxoviridae Infections;
Prospective Studies;
Rhinovirus;
Seasons;
Sprains and Strains;
Viruses
- From:Annals of Clinical Microbiology
2013;16(3):140-144
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Xpert Flu (Cepheid, USA) allows for fully automated real-time RT-PCR using a single-use disposable cartridge. The aim of this study was to evaluate Xpert Flu for the detection of influenza A virus and subtype A/H1N1/2009 pandemic virus. METHODS: We conducted a prospective comparison study for Xpert Flu with the RealTime ready Influenza A/H1N1 Detection Set (Roche Diagnostics, Germany). Analytical specificities of the assays were determined by testing commonly encountered respiratory viral pathogens, including parainfluenza virus type 1/2/3, rhinovirus A, rhinovirus B, metapneumovirus, adenovirus, and coronavirus. The analytical sensitivities and workflow of both methods were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 102 consecutive clinical specimens were tested by both methods. Total agreement between the two methods was estimated to be 99.0% (101/102): 11 A/H1N1/2009 and 3 seasonal influenza A by the RealTime ready Influenza A/H1N1 Detection Set; 10 and 3 by Xpert Flu. No cross-reactivity was observed between influenza A/H1N1/2009 and other respiratory viral pathogens in either method. The limits of detection of the RealTime ready Influenza A/H1N1 Detection Set and Xpert Flu were 500 TCID50/mL and 20 TCID50/mL, respectively. Xpert Flu required 85 minutes (10 minutes of hands-on time) for processing, while RealTime ready Influenza A/H1N1 Detection Set took 128 minutes (30 minutes of handson time). CONCLUSION: The results of Xpert Flu were comparable to those of the RealTime ready Influenza A/H1N1 Detection Set. It is of note that the fully automated and closed system of Xpert Flu could be advantageous for reducing hands-on time and for preventing cross-contamination during the testing process.
