Evaluating the impact of the multiplex respiratory virus panel polymerase chain reaction test on the clinical management of suspected respiratory viral infections in adult patients in a hospital setting.

A retrospective cohort design was used to study the impact of a multiplex respiratory virus panel polymerase chain reaction test in 186 adult patients with suspected influenza-like illness. Decisions regarding continuation of empirical antiviral therapy appear to be impacted by the test. However, the impact on reducing antibiotic use remains unclear.