Evaluation of the Alere i Influenza A&B Nucleic Acid Amplification Versus Xpert Flu/RSV

The rapid and accurate detection of influenza virus in respiratory specimens is required for optimal management of patients with acute respiratory infections. Because of the variability of the symptoms and the numerous other causes of influenza-like illness, the diagnosis of influenza cannot be made on the basis of clinical criteria alone. Thus, rapid influenza diagnostic tests have been developed such as the Alere i Influenza A\&B isothermal nucleic acid assay. Investigators prospectively evaluated the performance of the Alere i Influenza A\&B assay in comparison with the routine Xpert Flu/RSV assay.