Reducing Diagnostic Bias Through Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Testing for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Le résumé fourni par la source

To the Editor—We thank the authors for their comments on our study of outcomes in adults attending the emergency department (ED) with infections caused by Omicron, seasonal influenza, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) [1]. First, the authors raise concerns about potential diagnostic bias and confounding by indication. During the pandemic period, 98% of the study participants were tested for all 3 viruses by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, thus reducing potential differential diagnostic test bias. Furthermore, multiplex PCR testing for influenza and RSV was employed during the pre-pandemic study period. The numbers of RSV patients in relation to Omicron and influenza patients in our study are in line with previous studies of hospitalized patients [2, 3]. Our study focused on adults seeking the ED due to a respiratory virus infection, and the source population would thus not include milder infections in the community [4]. We do not agree that including test-negative patients is very informative because it consists of a heterogenous group of patients with many different infections and diagnoses.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.