15 Oct 08 08:30 | SheldonCampbell said regarding RapidTestingForInfluenza:
What's meant by 'rapid influenza tests do not provide new influenza isolates to the public health system' is that non-culture methods such as rapid tests don't help in surveillance for new strains, which occur each year. This is also an issue with the new generation of molecular influenza tests which is replacing culture methods.

While I agree with your comments on the technical quality of rapid tests; they lack sensitivity and specificity versus better lab-based methods; they do provide more accurate diagnosis than clinical impression does in settings where no better test is available.

Definitely shouldn't be used outside of the flu season, though.