Evaluation of a single‐step multiplex RT‐PCR for influenza virus type and subtype detection in respiratory samples

Abstract
A single-step multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the simultaneous detection of influenza virus type and subtypes was evaluated for its use in clinical specimens. One part of each specimen was tested using an established standard culture and/or monoclonal antibody-based immunofluorescence assay method, and the other part was tested by the multiplex RT-PCR method for the presence or absence of the influenza virus, and its type and subtype. Sixty-seven specimens were examined. The results revealed a strong agreement between the data obtained by the established method and those obtained by the multiplex RT-PCR. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:163–166, 2002.