Table 2. Cost estimates for routine avian influenza (H5N1) surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and infection control measures in the ICU, February 1, 2005 – January 31, 2006*.
| Category | No. measures | Estimated cost (US$) | Total (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost associated with H5N1 routine screening | |||
| Diagnostic testing | |||
| RT-PCR | 115 | $25 × 115 | 2,875 |
| Viral culture | 115 | $30 × 115 | 3,450 |
| Paired acute- and convalescent-phase serology for anti-H5 antibody† | 42 | $25 × 42 | 1,050 |
| Isolation for probable H5N1 (n = 18)‡ | |||
| Gowns/d | 1,800 | $1/gown × 1,800 × 9 d | 16,200 |
| Gloves/d | 1,800 | $0.05/pair × 1,800 × 9 d | 810 |
| Surgical masks/d | 1,800 | $0.25/mask × 1,800 × 9 d | 4,050 |
| Staff time (min/d) to put on/take off gloves, gowns, and mask | 1,800 | $1.26/hour × 1,800 | 2,268 |
| Cost of universal influenza vaccination | |||
| ICU HCWs | 30 | $10 × 30 | 300 |
| HCWs, entire hospital | 980 | $10 × 980 | 9,800 |
*ICU, intensive care unit; RT-PCR, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction; HCWs, healthcare workers. †All 115 patients had acute phase serum samples tested for anti-H5 antibody; 42 (37%) were <60 years old and survived >14 days after hospitalization. ‡Estimated 1 min to put on and take off the protection gear with 100 encounters per day (15).