This new test has arrived in pharmacies.
A new test is now available in pharmacies without a prescription. It makes it possible to detect Covid, flu and bronchiolitis (respiratory syncytial virus or RSV) using a single sample from the nose. It exists in two versions: the “self-test” version to be carried out by yourself (by a child himself from 6 years old under the supervision of an adult or by an adult for young children from one month old) and the “TROD” version which must be carried out in a pharmacy, hospital, office or laboratory by a pharmacist, doctor, nurse or midwife. These two versions work in the same way as the PCR or antigen tests that we experienced during the Covid-19 epidemic. Accessible to all ages, “it is particularly suitable for children because it does not require going deep into the nasal cavity“, specifies Cédric Carbonneil, head of the professional procedure evaluation service at the High Authority of Health (HAS). It is already used by more than 100 pediatric and adult emergency services, including many university hospitals.
The test is called “All in triplex” and was marketed by the AAZ group. Its principle is simple: simply insert a small swab into each nostril and wait 15 minutes (do not read beyond 20 minutes) to see the results in the form of three different colored bands, each color corresponding to one of the viruses (blue for Covid, green for flu and orange for RSV): the test is negative if there is a colored band. The test is positive if there are two colored bands. This test can identify influenza viral types (influenza A and B), but does not discriminate between type A virus subtypes. Seasonal influenza epidemics are usually caused by the two main types of influenza. influenza, A and B, according to the WHO.
Although reliable (reliability rate of 98% according to studies carried out by the manufacturer), this test is of limited interest for HAS for the simple reason that this test does not change the way of treating these diseases (these three diseases being treated in the same way, namely with medications such as paracetamol and plenty of rest). Knowing the virus involved does not always seem necessary. However, this test can be useful to reassure families, especially if you are around a vulnerable person.
It could also help limit the prescription of antibiotics and reduce unnecessary emergency room visits for seasonal respiratory infections considered benign. It therefore has an interest in communities or health establishments (EHPAD, FAM, MAS) but also for people at risk such as the elderly, fragile people or pregnant women. AAZ offers a sale price of 10 euros, but each pharmacy can set its price as it wishes. It is currently not reimbursed.
