Direct detection of influenza A and B viruses in less than 20 minutes using a commercially available rapid PCR Assay

Abstract

We compared an FDA-cleared rapid (<20 min) PCR assay (Cobas Liat; Roche Diagnostics) to our routine influenza A and B realtime PCR assay (Simplexa Flu A/B & RSV Direct; Focus Diagnostics) using respiratory swabs (n = 197). The Cobas Liat influenza A and B assays demonstrated sensitivities of 99.2% (123/124) and 100% (23/23), respectively, while showing a specificity of 100% for each target.