Comparison of three enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and a direct fluorescent-antibody test for detection of respiratory syncytial virus antigen

We prospectively evaluated three enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) and a direct fluorescent-antibody (DFA) test for respiratory syncytial virus detection. Of 90 specimens, 79% gave the same results in all four tests (30 positive and 41 negative) and 97% were in agreement in three of the four assays. The agreement between the direct fluorescent-antibody test and each enzyme immunoassay was greater than or equal to 86%.