The argument for rapid influenza polymerase chain reaction (PCR) during the COVID-19 pandemic: Quicker turnaround times correlated with decreased antimicrobial use, reduced admission rates, and shorter length of stay.

The innovation of rapid influenza polymerase chain reaction (XT-PCR) has allowed quick, highly sensitive test results. Consequently, physicians can differentiate influenza from other respiratory illnesses and rapidly initiate treatment. We examined the effect of implementing XT-PCR on antimicrobial use, admission rates, and length of stay at a tertiary healthcare system.