1.Rapid Molecular Point of Care Testing for Detection of Influenza A, B Viruses and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Versus Multiplex PCR
Fadzilah Mohd Nor ; Wan Azlirull Aini Ahmad Ghazali ; Farah Roslinda Mohd Rustam ; Chen Xin Wee ; Navindra Kumari Palanisamy
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.5):165-170
Introduction: Rapid detection of influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be achieved by having
rapid molecular point of care tests (POCTs). This expedites the diagnosis attributed by having similar clinical presentations leading to facilitation of precision medicine and reduction of antimicrobial resistance. The growing number
of POCTs foster the need to ensure that these POCTs have satisfactory and reliable performance. With that the aim
of this study is to evaluate the performance of rapid molecular POCT regarded as ‘X’ for the detection of Influenza
viruses and RSV in comparison to multiplex PCR. Methods: A laboratory-based study was conducted from January to
December 2020 which involved analysis of 116 nasopharyngeal swabs, tested using POCT X and multiplex PCR as
a method of reference. The performance analysis incorporated the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicted values determination. The cycle threshold values were reviewed for discordant results. Results: The POCT X
demonstrated sensitivity of 88.57% with 100% specificity for Influenza A virus, and 85.71% of sensitivity with 100%
specificity for influenza B virus detection. Meanwhile it revealed 100% sensitivity and specificity for RSV detection.
There were ten specimens demonstrating discordant results whereby viruses were not detected by POCT X, however
detected by multiplex PCR. The POCT X was not able to detect eight (12.9%) and two (16.7%) influenza A and B
viruses respectively. Conclusion: The overall performance of POCT X was corresponded to multiplex PCR. This best
served as a steadfast ancillary test for influenza and RSV infection.