A Point-Of-Care Test for H1N1 Influenza

To the Editor: I read the recent article by Louie et al1 with a great interest. Louie et al1 mentioned point-of-care test (POCT) deficiencies and also raised policy recommendations that will enhance preparedness. Indeed, the POCT is confirmed for its usefulness in the management of emerging infection, including H1N1 influenza.2 However, the preparedness for emerging infectious diseases such as H1N1 influenza can still be questionable. It is no doubt that we can prepare for the reemergence of known diseases, but newly emerging diseases are usually unpredictable. The role of the POCT in diagnosis must be based on the data for already-existing emerging infectious diseases. The actual role of the POCT might be in molecular epidemiology as a tool for surveillance of old diseases and for monitoring of a new mutation that can lead to a newly emerging infection.