Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2025
Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
Published on: January 30, 2017
Practice patterns and perceptions of influenza testing amongst pediatric urgent care providers
Haroon Shaukat1, Sophia Wang2, Dana Kim2
1Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Health System, Wshington, DC, USA; George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Insights
Pediatric urgent care providers report increased confidence in diagnosing influenza and a higher likelihood of prescribing antiviral medications when using rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs). These tests aid clinical decisions despite moderate sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Testing
Background:
- Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) are utilized in clinical decision-making for influenza.
- RIDTs offer quick results, high specificity, ease of use, and low cost, despite a sensitivity range of 50%–70%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the use of RIDTs for diagnosing and managing influenza in pediatric patients in outpatient settings.
- To evaluate provider confidence and treatment decisions influenced by RIDT results.
Main Methods:
- A quantitative study employing a web-based survey.
- The survey was distributed to 110 members of the Society of Pediatric Urgent Care.
- Data collected from 61 responding providers.
Main Results:
- 42% of respondents reported increased diagnostic confidence with a positive RIDT.
- 28% of respondents indicated a higher likelihood of prescribing antivirals to low-risk patients with a positive RIDT.
- Provider confidence and treatment decisions were influenced by RIDT results.
Conclusions:
- Positive RIDTs enhance diagnostic confidence among pediatric urgent care providers.
- RIDTs influence the likelihood of prescribing antiviral medications, even in low-risk patients.
- RIDTs play a significant role in the diagnosis and management of influenza in pediatric urgent care.
Introduction:
Despite a sensitivity of 50% to 70% the rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) continues to play an important role in clinical decision-making due to its quick turn-around time, high specificity, relative simplicity of use, and low cost.
Methods:
A quantitative study using a web-based survey was distributed to 110 members of the Society of Pediatric Urgent Care aimed to assess RIDT use for diagnosis and management of influenza in outpatient pediatric patients.
Results:
Responses from 61 providers were received. Forty-two percent (95% CI 29.5-54.5%) of respondents report higher confidence in their diagnosis of influenza with the aid of a positive RIDT. 28% of respondents (95% CI 16.6-39.4%) report a higher likelihood of prescribing antiviral medications to low-risk patients if an RIDT is positive than without laboratory confirmation.
Conclusion:
Most pediatric urgent care respondents reported higher confidence in their diagnosis and higher likelihood of prescribing antivirals with a positive RIDT rather than by clinical symptoms alone.
More Related Videos
05:04Author Spotlight: Evaluating Clinicians' Adoption of Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Cannulation Through Simulation Training
Published on: August 9, 2024
08:46Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds: Use of a Portable rRT-PCR and Freeze-dried Reagents in the Field
Published on: August 2, 2011
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Patterns of Fever
01:20Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care