Abstract
The incremental benefits and costs of a rapid influenza A virus infection diagnostic service were studied in nursing homes in Calgary, Canada, during a single influenza season. The service was used to test 159 patients with suspected infection in a group of "experimental" nursing homes and results were compared with those for a group of "control" homes. An equal number of cases of influenza were identified in each group. Twenty-eight patients (17.6%) had confirmed cases, and 63 patients (39.6%) had probable cases. A rapid viral test result was provided much faster for patients in the experimental homes (P = .005). Both groups had the same median attack rate for influenza A virus. In experimental homes, the duration of the outbreak was shorter (P = .03), and the cost of laboratory testing and the total cost (less the hospital cost) tended to be lower (P< .2). The rapid testing service also tended to lower the overall use of resources.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 790-795 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Clinical Infectious Diseases |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 6 |
Early online date | 31 Jan 2002 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 Mar 2002 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Microbiology (medical)
- Infectious Diseases