Rapid Flu and RSV diagnosis and treatment in one visit

Inverness Medical has introduced two rapid diagnostic tests for the detection of Influenza (flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) – Clearview Exact Influenza A & B and Clearview RSV – to ensure diagnosis and treatment of these potentially fatal infections are possible in just one patient visit. The Clearview range of rapid Respiratory tests delivers reliable results clinicians can be confident in and help eliminate unnecessary treatment, hospitalisation and administration time.

Autumn and winter are peak times for seasonal respiratory viruses such as flu and RSV which attack the airways and lungs. With flu alone it is thought that there are between 3-5 million severe cases of infection annually across the globe1. Although symptoms are often mild for many affected with flu and RSV, these infections pose a serious health risk to children under two and adults over sixty-five. Swift detection and correct treatment especially within these two vulnerable groups is crucial to preventing life threatening pneumonia and bronchiolitis from developing.

Both rapid tests give simple and clear results in as little as fifteen minutes helping clinicians to instantly implement effective and appropriate follow up care. Since inappropriate administering of antiviral treatment can cause needless health complications it is vital to reach an accurate diagnosis as quickly as possible. The built in procedural controls within both tests ensure that they have worked correctly, reassuring the user with reliable results. These simple-to-use kits do not require technical training enabling non-laboratory staff to use them.

Completing the Clearview respiratory line is Clearview Exact Strep A for the rapid detection of Strep A associated pharyngitis. Available in both dipstick and cassette format, the Clearview Exact Strep A test provides clinicians with rapid results in 5 minutes. Such a rapid response again enables doctors and healthcare workers to administer the most appropriate treatment without delay.

“The Clearview line of respiratory tests is ideal for use in clinics, hospitals and laboratories due to the reliable in-built controls and rapid results” David Walton, Inverness Medical’s VP Asia Pacific. “At Inverness Medical, we believe rapid diagnosis and treatment is crucial to reducing the spread of infection and improving recovery rates, especially amongst the most vulnerable”.

1. World Health Organisation