Validation of Self-swab for Virologic Confirmation of Influenza Virus Infections in a Community Setting

DKM Ip, M (Martin) Schutten, VJ Fang, ROP Fung, RT Dutkowski, KH Chan, GM Leung, JSM Peiris, BJ Cowling

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Few studies have investigated the validity of self-collected nose and throat swabs for influenza confirmation in community settings. We followed outpatients with confirmed influenza with sequential measurement of viral loads and applied log-linear regression models to the viral shedding patterns. Among 176 outpatients with confirmed influenza, the detection of virus and quantitative viral loads obtained from self-swabs was consistent with statistical predictions based on earlier and later measurements, suggesting that self-collected nose and throat swabs can be a valid alternative for virologic confirmation of influenza A or B infection in a community setting.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)631-634
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume205
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Research programs

  • EMC MM-04-27-01

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