Cost evaluation of point-of-care testing for community-acquired influenza in adults presenting to the emergency department.

Background: Rapid molecular point-of-care tests (POCTs) for influenza have potential to produce cost savings in emergency departments (EDs) and acute care settings. To date, published projected savings have been based on estimated costs.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the cost implications of a rapid influenza POCT using accurate real-world patient level costing data.