Each year several thousands contract the seasonal flu, and it is estimated that these viruses are responsible for the deaths of over six thousand individuals [1]. Further, when a new strain is detected (e.g. 2009), the result can be substantially more dramatic [2]. Because of the potential threats flu viruses pose, the United States, like many developed countries, has a very well established flu surveillance system consisting of 10 components collecting laboratory data, mortality data, hospitalization data and sentinel outpatient care data [3]. Currently, this surveillance system is estimated to lag behind the actual seasonal outbreak by one to two weeks. As new data streams come online, it is important to understand what added benefit they bring to the flu surveillance system complex. For data streams to be effective, they should provide data in a more timely fashion or provide additional data that current surveillance systems cannot provide. Two types of multiplexed diagnostic tools designed to test syndromically relevant pathogens and wirelessly upload data for rapid integration and interpretation were evaluated to see how they fit into the influenza surveillance scheme in California.
Objective
Evaluate utility of point of need diagnostic tests in relationship to current standard influenza detection methods.