Evaluation of the Prodesse Hexaplex multiplex PCR assay for direct detection of seven respiratory viruses in clinical specimens

We evaluated the Hexaplex assay (Prodesse, Waukesha, WI)for the detection o f 7 respiratory viruses (influenza A and B, parainfluenza 1-3, and respirat ory, syncytial virus [RSV] A and B). The Hexaplex assay,was performed on 30 0 respiratory samples during the 1999-2000 respiratoy virus season. Results of this assay were compared with shell vial cell culture and/or direct flu orescent antibody stain. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the ass ay were 96.6% and 94.1%, respectively The respective sensitivity and Specif icity Of the Hexaplex assay for detection of specific virus groups were as follows: influenza A, 98.6% and 97.8%; influenza B, 100% and 100%; and for parainfluenza viruses (1-3), 100% and 99.1%. The assay did not Perform as w ell with patients infected with RSV: sensitivity and specificity were 91.0% and 98.6%, respectively There are 2 major drawbacks to this assay: it is t echnically demanding (3-4 hours hands-on time), and it is expensive ($80-$9 0 direct cost). Nevertheless, because of the excellent sensitivity and spec ificity, the Hexaplex assay may be valuable in the diagnosis of respiratory viral infections in immunocompromised patients.