Laboratory confirmation of respiratory viruses: is it necessary?

ABSTRACT

Respiratory infections caused by viral agents are very common and have caused tremendous burden to many countries economically. In the past, laboratory confirmation of viral agents in respiratory infections was regarded as low priority and not cost-effective. With the changing trends in managing such patients, laboratory confirmation of selective agents is reported to be beneficial in providing appropriate health care to patients, especially in hospital settings. In the long run, it has been shown that laboratory confirmation of respiratory viruses can reduce cost and contribute significantly to the better management of the patients