Antibiotic stewardship
CDC notes antibiotics will not improve viral pink eye, so a positive viral result avoids an unnecessary prescription.
CDCMedical Eye Care · Point-of-Care Testing
Red Eye and Infection Testing Answer the adenovirus question before the patient leaves.
A red eye can be viral, bacterial, allergic or something more serious. Point-of-care tests help separate adenoviral conjunctivitis from the rest in about ten minutes, which guides treatment, work and school guidance, and antibiotic use.
65 to 90%of viral conjunctivitis caused by adenovirus
10 minutesto a QuickVue Adenoviral result
90% / 96%QuickVue sensitivity and specificity
CLIA-waivedtest complexity
Why test
What a rapid test changes
Clinical appearance alone overlaps between causes. A positive adenovirus result supports supportive care and infection-control advice instead of an antibiotic.
Contagion advice
Adenoviral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so a confirmed result supports clear hygiene and return-to-work guidance.
EyeWikiSame-visit answer
QuidelOrtho's QuickVue Adenoviral Conjunctivitis Test detects all known adenoviral serotypes from tear fluid.
QuidelOrthoInflammation marker
MMP-9 testing with InflammaDry adds an objective inflammation read when the picture is unclear.
InflammaDrySetting up red eye testing
The tests are simple, but they need a CLIA certificate and a written process.
- CLIA certificate of waiver
- Test kits and control sets on hand
- Documented results and patient instructions
-
QuickVue Adenoviral test
Ten tests per kit, catalog 20324, read visually at ten minutes. Vision Rescue stocks the kit and its positive and negative control set.
-
InflammaDry
Detects elevated MMP-9 in a tear sample. See the dedicated page for workflow and coding.
-
Coding
Adenovirus antigen detection by immunoassay with direct optical observation is reported with 87809 and the QW modifier.
-
Red flags
CDC lists pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision that does not clear, intense redness, worsening symptoms and a weakened immune system as reasons for prompt care.
In the clinic
A red eye visit
Test when the result will change what you do.
Triage
Screen for red flags such as pain, photophobia, reduced vision, contact lens wear and corneal involvement before anything else.
Test
Run the adenovirus test on suspected viral cases, and add MMP-9 when inflammation is in question.
Treat and counsel
Match treatment to the result, give contagion guidance for positive cases, and schedule follow-up if symptoms persist.
Reference details
Point-of-care tests for the red eye
| QuickVue Adenoviral Conjunctivitis Test | Adenoviral antigen in tear fluid; 10 minutes; CLIA-waived; 87809-QW |
|---|---|
| InflammaDry | MMP-9 in tears; CLIA-waived; 83516-QW |
| Controls | Run external controls as directed in each package insert |
When to refer or escalate
- Suspected bacterial keratitis in a contact lens wearer
- Hyperacute purulent discharge
- Herpes zoster with involvement of the nose tip
- Symptoms that do not resolve after 7 to 10 days
CLIA requirement
Waived tests require a CLIA certificate of waiver, and staff must follow the manufacturer's instructions; a waived test performed outside those instructions is no longer considered waived. See the CLIA waived testing guide.
Questions about red eye testing
How accurate is the adenovirus test?
QuidelOrtho lists 90% sensitivity and 96% specificity for the QuickVue Adenoviral Conjunctivitis Test.
Do I need a CLIA certificate?
Yes. Waived tests are performed under a CLIA certificate of waiver.
What code is used?
87809 with the QW modifier for adenovirus antigen detection by immunoassay with direct optical observation. Confirm with your payer.
Should a positive patient get antibiotics?
CDC states antibiotics will not improve viral pink eye. Treatment is supportive, with hygiene guidance.
How long is adenoviral conjunctivitis contagious?
EyeWiki describes communicability of roughly 10 to 14 days.
Can I order the test from Vision Rescue?
Yes. The QuickVue Adenoviral test and its control set are in the wholesale catalog, along with InflammaDry.
References
- QuidelOrtho. QuickVue Adenoviral Conjunctivitis Test. QuidelOrtho
- EyeWiki, American Academy of Ophthalmology. Conjunctivitis. EyeWiki
- CDC. Treatment of pink eye. CDC
- Review of Optometry. Coding point-of-care testing. Review of Optometry
Answer the red eye question in the chair
Stock rapid adenovirus tests and controls from one wholesale account.
Written for licensed eye care professionals. Follow each test's package insert exactly. Coding information is general; confirm with your payer. Product names are trademarks of their owners.