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Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2017 Jul 25. doi: 10.1111/irv.12471. [Epub ahead of print]
The acceptability and validity of self-collected nasal swabs for detection of influenza virus infection among older adults in Thailand.
Goyal S1,2, Prasert K3, Praphasiri P2, Chittaganpitch M4, Waicharoen S4, Ditsungnoen D2, Jaichuang S3, Lindblade KA2,5.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Self-collection of nasal swabs could improve the timeliness of influenza virus detection in older adults.
OBJECTIVES:
Measure the acceptability, adequacy, timeliness and validity of self-collected nasal swabs among adults ≥65 years in Thailand.
METHODS:
Our evaluation consisted of two parts: a one-month study among randomly-selected, community-dwelling older adults to simulate community-based surveillance for acute respiratory infections (ARI); and a clinic study of older adults with ARI to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of self-collected nasal swabs for influenza virus infection compared with healthcare worker (HCW)-collected nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs.
RESULTS:
In the community study, 24% of participants experienced an ARI during the observation period. All (100%) participants with an ARI self-collected nasal swabs within 72 hours of symptom onset of which 92% were considered adequate samples. In the clinic study, 45% of patients with ARI presented within 72 hours of symptom onset. The sensitivity of self-collected nasal swabs for detection of influenza virus infection was 78% (95% CI 40-97) compared to nasopharyngeal and 88% (95% CI 47-100) compared to nasal swabs collected by HCW. Specificity was 100% (95% CI 97-100) compared to both methods. Self-collection of nasal swabs was found acceptable by 99% of participants in both studies.
CONCLUSIONS:
Self-collection of nasal swabs was acceptable to older adults in Thailand who were able to take adequate samples. Self-collection of nasal swabs may improve the timeliness of sample collection but lower sensitivity will need to be considered. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
Thailand; elderly; influenza; nasal swab; older adults; self-collection; sensitivity; specificity
PMID: 28741903 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12471
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The acceptability and validity of self-collected nasal swabs for detection of influenza virus infection among older adults in Thailand.
Goyal S1,2, Prasert K3, Praphasiri P2, Chittaganpitch M4, Waicharoen S4, Ditsungnoen D2, Jaichuang S3, Lindblade KA2,5.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Self-collection of nasal swabs could improve the timeliness of influenza virus detection in older adults.
OBJECTIVES:
Measure the acceptability, adequacy, timeliness and validity of self-collected nasal swabs among adults ≥65 years in Thailand.
METHODS:
Our evaluation consisted of two parts: a one-month study among randomly-selected, community-dwelling older adults to simulate community-based surveillance for acute respiratory infections (ARI); and a clinic study of older adults with ARI to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of self-collected nasal swabs for influenza virus infection compared with healthcare worker (HCW)-collected nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs.
RESULTS:
In the community study, 24% of participants experienced an ARI during the observation period. All (100%) participants with an ARI self-collected nasal swabs within 72 hours of symptom onset of which 92% were considered adequate samples. In the clinic study, 45% of patients with ARI presented within 72 hours of symptom onset. The sensitivity of self-collected nasal swabs for detection of influenza virus infection was 78% (95% CI 40-97) compared to nasopharyngeal and 88% (95% CI 47-100) compared to nasal swabs collected by HCW. Specificity was 100% (95% CI 97-100) compared to both methods. Self-collection of nasal swabs was found acceptable by 99% of participants in both studies.
CONCLUSIONS:
Self-collection of nasal swabs was acceptable to older adults in Thailand who were able to take adequate samples. Self-collection of nasal swabs may improve the timeliness of sample collection but lower sensitivity will need to be considered. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
Thailand; elderly; influenza; nasal swab; older adults; self-collection; sensitivity; specificity
PMID: 28741903 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12471
Free full text