Rapid on‐site molecular Point of Care Testing during influenza outbreaks in aged care facilities improves antiviral use and reduces hospitalisation

Abstract

ObjectiveWestern Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) measured the utility and validity of rapid molecular point‐of‐care testing (POCT) in aged care facilities (ACFs) experiencing influenza‐like illness (ILI) outbreaks against routine laboratory testing. MethodsA descriptive epidemiological study into 82 respiratory outbreaks reported across 63 ACFs within WSLHD supporting approximately 6,500 residents aged ≥65 years and staffed by ∼6,500 employees, from 1 August 2018 to 31 December 2019. ResultsWSLHD Public Health Unit performed on‐site testing at 27 ACF outbreaks (34%), while 53(66%) ACFs conducted only routine laboratory testing. The Xpert®Xpress Flu/RSV molecular PCR provided a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Those with on‐site testing, antiviral prophylaxis was prescribed at 75% of facilities within 24 hours of testing, as opposed to 32% of those using laboratory testing (p<0.01). There were 24 of 181 ACF residents hospitalised in the POCT group compared to 76 of 357 in the laboratory‐only group (OR=0.57; p=0.02). ConclusionsOn‐site ACF testing is reliable and practical for early identification of influenza, enabling timely use of antiviral treatment and prophylaxis, and was associated with decreased hospitalisation. Public health implicationsEnhanced respiratory surveillance and on‐site testing should be strongly considered as part of routine management of respiratory outbreaks in ACFs and may reduce outbreak severity.