WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY?
flu@home is a nasal swab test that detects for Influenza A and B. The flu@home test kit includes components from the CLIA waived Quidel Quickvue Influenza rapid-diagnostic test. The flu@home kit also includes a mobile app to guide through the testing process, as well as collect symptom and demographic data for research purposes.
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY’S POTENTIAL IMPACT ON PRIMARY CARE?
flu@home may enable individuals to test themselves for influenza from the convenience of their homes. Home-testing reduces the likelihood of spreading the flu to others through clinic visits. Additionally, the results of the flu@home self-test has the potential to be incorporated into telehealth appointments. In a perfect world, people who are sick will be able to order the test, receive their results, order and receive a Tamiflu or Baloxavir prescription all from home within 24 hours. This model will reduce the spread of the flu, and remove barriers to seeking care when sick with flu symptoms.
WHAT IS PCI-LAB DOING?
PCI-Lab is part of the team developing and testing the usability of the flu@home test kit and mobile app. The flu@home self-test is part of the Seattle Flu Study, a city-wide research study mapping the spread of the flu in Seattle to better understand how it spreads, and why certain flu strains are stronger and more dangerous than others. flu@home is also being used in a national study that incorporates wearable data from Fitbit trackers to build predictive models for influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
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