flu-fighter-testing

Case Study: “Be a Flu Fighter and Get Tested FREE!”

Phase: Observational DiagnosticTimeline: October 2023 – March 2024Regions: West Palm Beach, FL (Top One Research Group clinics)Sponsor: Top One Research Group × Local Public Health PartnersStatus: Completed

Recruitment Materials & Outreach

Digital Outreach

• Multimedia ads on social media (Facebook, Instagram) and search platforms drove traffic to our study microsite with pre‑screening questionnaire.

• Achieved a 56 % higher referral volume than projected through targeted keyword and demographic segmentation.

Community Outreach

• On‑site flyers, health‑fair booths, and partnerships with local schools and churches.

• Focused on reaching multi‑generational households and under‑served communities.

Site Optimization Calls

• Clinical Enrollment Managers (CEMs) held up to four calls per clinic to refine scheduling workflows, address staff questions, and boost engagement.

• CEM‑supported sites enrolled 124 % more participants than non‑supported sites.
  

Background & Rationale

Seasonal influenza (A & B) annually affects tens of millions of Americans, straining families and healthcare systems. In 2022–23, roughly 38 million cases led to 20 000+ pediatric hospitalizations and widespread lost school/work days. Early, accurate detection—especially in family clusters—can expedite treatment and curb household transmission.

Our “Flu Fighter” initiative set out to:

1. Validate point‑of‑care rapid tests against RT‑PCR in real‑world family settings.

2. Map intra‑household transmission dynamics across age groups.

3. Demonstrate community impact of no‑cost, family‑wide flu testing.
   

Objectives

Methodology

1. Enrollment & Consent

   • Screened families presenting with flu‑like symptoms within 5 days of onset.

   • Written consent from guardians; assent from children ≥ 7 years.

2. Sample Collection

   • Bilateral nasal swabs by certified clinical staff.

3. Testing Workflow

   • Rapid Test: On‑site immunochromatographic assay (15 min result).

   • Confirmatory PCR: Central lab turnaround 24–36 h (later improved to 28 h).

4. Data Capture

   • Electronic case report forms logged demographics, symptom timeline, household size, vaccination status, and test outcomes.
     

Key Challenges & Solutions

Outcomes & Impact

• Diagnostic Accuracy:

  • Influenza A: 92 % sensitivity, 97 % specificity

  • Influenza B: 88 % sensitivity, 98 % specificity

• Transmission Insights:

  • Secondary attack rate: 18 % in unvaccinated vs. 7 % in vaccinated contacts

• Participant Satisfaction:

  • 98 % rated experience “Excellent”/“Very Good”

• Community Benefit:

  • 70 % of symptomatic participants sought care sooner than they otherwise would have
    

Lessons Learned & Next Steps

1. Flexible Scheduling: Evening/weekend windows are critical for family‑wide studies.

2. Automated Reminders & Incentives: Simple SMS plus small kits dramatically boost adherence.

3. Real‑Time Vaccination Messaging: Sharing interim transmission data reinforced vaccine uptake—will integrate into future recruitment collateral.
   

Conclusion & Call to Action

The “Be a Flu Fighter” study validated rapid flu diagnostics, illuminated household transmission patterns, and delivered exceptional participant satisfaction—demonstrating Top One Research Group’s strength in complex, patient‑centric trials.

Ready to partner on your next respiratory or family‑focused study?Visit our [Active Studies] page or contact our team to explore collaboration opportunities.