Comparison of the VIDAS RSV assay and the Abbott Testpack RSV with direct immunofluorescence for detection of respiratory syncytial virus in nasopharyngeal aspirates.

The sensitivity and accuracy of the VIDAS RSV assay in testing fresh specimens were 82.7 and 87.1%, respectively, whereas specimens previously frozen at -70 degrees C gave a sensitivity of 96.2% and an accuracy of 95.4%. The sensitivity and accuracy of Abbott Testpack RSV were 92.6 and 91.3% for fresh specimens and 86.8 and 88.1% for frozen specimens. The advantages and drawbacks of the two assays are discussed.