Faster diagnosis of flu in hospitals, using tests like the Alere i Influenza A & B NPT, could save the NHS money.

Problem

Influenza (flu) can cause severe illness in certain people including young children and the elderly. Flu is very contagious and can easily spread, especially within enclosed areas like hospitals. Near Patient Tests (NPTs) for flu are performed close to the patient rather than in a laboratory and have the potential to diagnose the infection quickly. These tests could enable faster access to treatment and help to prevent the spread of the infection in hospitals.

Action

• We were funded by Alere to independently evaluate the accuracy of the Alere i Influenza A & B NPT for diagnosing flu by the bedside.
• We also examined the economic impact of using the test.
• We designed, co-ordinated and analysed the study which recruited 827 patients and was performed at four hospitals in Newcastle, Sheffield and Doncaster during the 2014 – 2015 winter season.

Outcome

• The Alere test performed as well as standard laboratory-based testing when using throat swabs.
• The test produced a much quicker result than the laboratory test.
• Our economic modelling predicted an annual cost saving of over £200 per patient.

Impact

• Alere changed aspects of their test based on the NHS staff feedback collected during the study.
• Data from the study supported the business case for using NPTs for influenza in Newcastle Hospitals.
• The Alere i Influenza A & B NPT is now in use across the NHS.

Read our evaluations using throat swab and nasal swab samples.

Read more about the project