Bronchiolitis: Use of RSV rapid testing

 

• Firstly, know that the sensitivity of the test is ~60% (leaving 40% that have the disease testing falsely negative)
• Secondly, in whom will the result impact your decision?
  • High-risk patient populations (at risk of decompensation or apnea)
    • Premature (especially <34 wks GA)
    • Infants < 2months of age
    • Chronic Lung Disease
    • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Infants undergoing sepsis evaluations
    • The incidence of concominant serious bacterial infection and RSV is low (<1%)
       

Purcell K, Fergie J. Concominant serious bacterial infections in 2396 infans and children hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infections. Arch pediatr adolesce med. 2002; 156: 322-324.