Lessons learnt from influenza POCT implementation in an AMU

Influenza point of care tests (POCT) can speed up diagnosis and improve management of patients with influenza.1-3 Young et al discussed the impact of a POCT for influenza in an emergency department.4 The POCT was associated with reduced nosocomial transmission of influenza and improved patient flow.4 We previously reported the impact of a POCT for influenza in an acute medical unit (AMU).1 Following the introduction of the POCT, there was an increase in appropriately targeted oseltamivir prescribing, shorter time to isolation, proportionally less post-72-h influenza virus cases and a reduction in length of stay of patients presenting with influenza-like illness.