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Introduction to Recent ZstatFlu™ Clinical Studies

The following information summarizes the results of studies using the ZstatFluÔ influenza diagnostic test that were conducted during the 1998-99 flu season. Studies were performed in the emergency room at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee and at Westbrook Family Practice Clinic in Edmond, Oklahoma. A third study consisted of a retrospective examination of charts from children seen at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas.

Background on the ZstatFlu Test
The ZstatFlu test is a rapid diagnostic test for influenza A and B and is based on a throat swab sample. With this test, definitive results are available in just ~20 minutes. The ZstatFlu test is effective as a diagnostic tool and can be used:

As a surveillance tool

The ZstatFlu test allows physicians to know when influenza is present in their practice, both prior to and toward the end of the "traditional flu season."

To increase the use of antivirals and prevent the overuse of antibiotics

Physicians can use a definitive diagnosis of influenza to increase the use of antiviral medications to lessen the symptoms of the flu and reduce the amount of antibiotic prescriptions written "just in case."

To prevent the spread of disease

Once the index case has been identified, prophylactic treatment can be started on family members to reduce further spread of influenza.

To reduce costs

Patients can be effectively triaged to the test at the point of contact, reducing the physician exam time and the laboratory charges associated with searching for a definitive diagnosis.

These applications and subsequent cost savings were verified in the following studies.

Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee [Link to appropriate page or section]

Designed to determine if influenza testing at the triage desk in the emergency room would decrease charges, this study found that ER charges were deceased by an average of $161 per patient with use of the ZstatFlu test.

Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas [Link to appropriate page or section]

This retrospective chart study was designed to determine if influenza testing of children presenting to the ER with fever and influenza-like symptoms would decrease ER charges and patient wait time. Using a theoretical model, this study found that there would be a minimum financial savings of 11-17% and a 38.5% savings in time (2.5 hrs) if a rapid diagnosis were made using the ZstatFlu test upon presentation to the ER.

Westbrook Family Practice Clinic, Edmond, Oklahoma [Link to appropriate page or section]

Seeking to discover the accuracy of diagnosing influenza with a rapid influenza test versus a physician's clinical judgement, this study found that physicians were unable to accurately predict and diagnose which patients had influenza based on any symptom or combination of symptoms alone.

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