Impact of implementing respiratory point-of-care testing in a regional haemato-oncology unit

J Hosp Infect. 2020 Sep;106(1):20-24. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.06.007. Epub 2020 Jun 20.

Abstract

Respiratory point-of-care testing (POCT) for the detection of influenza A, influenza B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was implemented in response to recent RSV outbreaks at a regional haemato-oncology unit in Glasgow. This descriptive study, undertaken pre- and post-POCT implementation, suggests that POCT reduces the time taken to receive results and increases diagnostic rates in outpatients. It is likely that the reduction in turnaround time afforded by POCT also leads to a faster time to antiviral treatment, prompt isolation and a reduction in the number of hospital-acquired infections.

Keywords: Haemato-oncology; Influenza; Point-of-care; RSV; Respiratory viruses.

MeSH terms

  • Cohort Studies
  • Health Plan Implementation*
  • Hematology
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / genetics
  • Influenza B virus / genetics
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis*
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / instrumentation
  • Oncology Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Outpatients
  • Point-of-Care Testing*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / genetics
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / diagnosis*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / virology