Intended Use
To qualitatively detect Type A Influenza virus, Pandemic Influenza A viruses, Pandemic H1 Influenza virus, H3 Influenza virus & Type B Influenza virus using Real time PCR to aid in diagnosing Influenza (flu).
Specimen Required
Respiratory specimens (BAL, tracheal aspirates, sputum, nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal aspirates or washes, and nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs) and viral cultures.
Patient Preparation
- Sample Collection: Respiratory specimens (BAL, tracheal aspirates, sputum, nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal aspirates or washes, and nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs) and viral cultures must be collected aseptically.
- Specimen Preparation: Place swab in viral transport media.
- Storage/Transport Temperature: Frozen
- Unacceptable Conditions:
- Swabs with cotton tips and wooden shafts are not recommended.
- Specimens collected with swabs made of calcium alginate are not acceptable.
- Specimens not in viral transport media.
- Specimens not kept at 2-4°C (≤4 days) or frozen at -70°C or below
- Remarks: Proper aseptic technique and sample handling are critical to avoid contamination or degradation.
- Stability: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 4 days; Frozen: 1 month
Methodology
The test uses real-time PCR with specific primers and fluorescent probes to amplify and detect the targeting influenza virus RNA.
Sample Received to Report Turnaround Time (TAT)
Twice in a week (Scheduled Test)
Reference Interval
Positive or negative for presence of influenza virus RNA.
Interpretive Data
Refer to the report.
Resources
- Additional Technical Information
- Test Request Form
Sample Reports
- Enhanced Report
- See report