Utilização de Testes Rápidos para Diagnóstico da Influenza. [Utilization of rapid diagnostic tests for influenza]
Abstract
Influenza, both seasonal and pandemic, is a permanent risk to global human public health. The emergence of the new influenza virus A (H1N1) in 2009 resulted in a global pandemic. Diagnostic tests for influenza, which assist in handling cases and allow monitoring of disease spread and evolution of the virus, are critical for the treatment of patients and for public health efforts. As a result, it is imperative that strategies for laboratory tests are developed and optimized in each country. Although they are available in specialized laboratories, the ability of specialized tests may be exceeded in the event of a pandemic. Tests are available from the Patient Medical Diagnosis Along (pointof-care tests - POCT) and Rapid Tests for Diagnosis of Influenza (TRDIs) and can be used in remote settings and in medical offices or without clinical laboratory services. Such tests do not require laboratory equipment and can be performed and interpreted by health personnel in 5 to 15 minutes.
This guide provides general information about the TRDIs and their possible applications in accordance with the availability of local epidemiological and laboratory services pertaining to influenza. In particular, it emphasizes the limitations of these tests. The purpose of this document is to ensure the appropriateness of the use and interpretation of results from TRDIs, combined with guidance on planning for quality testing prior to implementation, so that efforts on the treatment of particular cases and control of the disease is optimized.
Citation
ISBN 978-92-4 859928-6. 36 pp. [In Portugese]
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