Rapid flu test results not basis for antibody presence: CDC

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said given the high occurrence of false positives, those who have contracted the novel virus and fall under priority groups should be inoculated for added protection.

According to Deputy Director-General Chou Zhi-hao, the accuracy of the rapid influenza diagnostic tests in detecting the influenza A virus remains at around 60 percent.

Over 90 percent of those who test positive for influenza A were found to be carrying the H1N1 strain.

This leaves the remaining 10 percent as well as those passed over by the non-foolproof rapid antigen test, which is a considerable number of people, Chou noted.

A viral culture can determine whether or not a previously infected person has the antibodies to fight the virus, but a test would prove costly and inefficient, he added.

CDC Director Steve Kuo said this has been the most frequently asked question from callers to the 1922 disease prevention hotline.

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