4 ms·

We use a flu A / flu B / RSV / COVID test (PCR) for virtually every respiratory patient in our rural ED (US). EDIT: We've only had it for the last 18 months or

We use a flu A / flu B / RSV / COVID test (PCR) for virtually every respiratory patient in our rural ED (US). EDIT: We've only had it for the last 18 months or so. I was really shocked to discover how many older folks actually have RSV that I would previously have admitted as "probably a community acquired pneumonia" for mild hypoxia and maybe a highly questionable infiltrate on X-ray (read: probably no infiltrate but I need a diagnosis). Nice to now have a better excuse to consider holding back on antibiotics.

deleted 3y ago
[deleted]
inferiorhuman 3y ago
Interesting. Here in San Francisco I went in to Kaiser for a PCR COVID test and they checked for flu A+B, but not RSV. I wonder how widespread the use of RSV tests is.
6nf 3y ago
Does it change the treatment regime?
- n8henrie 3y ago
  Yes, frequently. I explained one such case in my edit (which I think made it in prior to your comment but perhaps not).
  - 6nf 3y ago
    Well if the treatment depends on the test outcome why wouldn't you just test every case every time?
    - n8henrie 3y ago
      Because treatment doesn't always depend on the test outcome.
      - 6nf 3y ago
        Er so then don’t test in those cases? I don’t see your point.
        n8henrie 3y ago
        Yes, exactly. My point? I'm just answering your question, not sure what you're getting at.