%0 Journal Article %A Mitchell, Stephanie L. %A Chang, Yeh-Chung %A Feemster, Kristen %A Cárdenas, Ana María %T Implementation of a rapid influenza A/B and RSV direct molecular assay improves emergency department oseltamivir use in paediatric patients %D 2018 %J Journal of Medical Microbiology, %V 67 %N 3 %P 358-363 %@ 1473-5644 %R https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.000676 %K influenza virus %K oseltamivir %K emergency department %K Simplexa Flu/RSV %I Microbiology Society, %X Purpose. Influenza A virus (FluA), influenza B virus (FluB) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illnesses increase hospitalizations during seasonal epidemics. Methodology. To determine the utility of the Simplexa FluA/B & RSV Direct Assay (Direct Flu/RSV) and its impact on oseltamivir use, we offered this assay to emergency department (ED) patients with influenza-like illness. Results. Utilization of the Direct Flu/RSV provided a turnaround time (TAT) of 2 hours. Compared to the flu season prior to implementation of the Direct Flu/RSV, clinicians were more likely to prescribe 5 days of oseltamivir therapy for Direct Flu/RSV-positive patients in comparison to those with a negative test. Conclusions. Use of Direct Flu/RSV provides results rapidly, which leads to more appropriate use of oseltamivir. The ease of use of this assay and quick TAT allows for prompt decision-making, which is essential for patient care and effective disease control during the influenza season. %U https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jmm/10.1099/jmm.0.000676