[Rapid diagnosis of influenza by EIA]

There are several commercially available rapid tests by enzyme immunoassay for the laboratory diagnosis of influenza. The tests detect viral nucleoproteins with monoclonal antibodies. They are less sensitive than viral culture or PCR, but rapid and easy to perform, so they can be used at the point-of-care. We evaluated these kits and compared them with viral culture, and we concluded that they are reliable. When compared with viral culture, the sensitivity of the EIA tests with nasal specimens showed greater than 80%. EIA was more sensitive in detecting influenza viruses in nasal aspirates and nasal swabs than in throat swabs. The rapid detection kits facilitate the timely initiation of antiviral therapy and control of influenza outbreaks in institutions. They are clinically useful and cost-effective for the diagnosis of influenza.