UNDERSTANDING THE FLU PANEL TESTING

1. The Influenza panel testing is a multiplex PCR test which detects the following:

A).Type A influenza virus

B).Type B influenza virus

C).Pandemic influenza A virus

D).Pandemic H1N1 and

E).Influenza A (H3N2)

2-The sample type is Nasopharyngeal and/or Oropharyngeal swab. Other respiratory samples such as tracheal aspirate /bronchoalveolar lavage/sputum can also be tested.

3-The turn around time of the test is around 8 hours.

4-The test is important so that the correct diagnosis and treatment can be started and spread of the virus can be contained.