Aim: To compare the performances of molecular and non-molecular tests to diagnose respiratory viral infections and to evaluate the pros and contras of each technique.
Methods: Two hundred ninety-nine respiratory samples were prospectively explored using multiplex molecular techniques (FilmArray Respiratory Panel, Clart Pneumovir), immunological techniques (direct fluorescent assay, lateral flow chromatography) and cell cultures.
Findings: Molecular techniques permitted the recovery of up to 50% more respiratory pathogens in comparison to non-molecular methods. FilmArray detected at least 30% more pathogens than Clart Pneumovir which could be explained by the differences in their technical designs. The turnaround time under 2 hours for the FilmArray permitted delivery of results when patients were still in the emergency room.
Keywords: Cell culture; Clart Pneumovir; FilmArray Respiratory Panel; Immunofluorescence; Lateral flow chromatography; Respiratory viruses.
Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.