Flu meaning

Overview Is there a test for the flu? Yes. Flu tests require a respiratory sample, such as a nasal swab, to check for the presence of the flu virus. The What are the different kinds of flu (influenza) tests? There are several different flu tests, including: • Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs). • Rapid molecular assays. • Specialized laboratory tests. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) RIDTs, also called flu antigen tests, are the most common type of flu test. They can identify the presence of influenza A and B, and they work by detecting the parts of the flu virus called antigens that trigger an immune response. RIDTs usually involve inserting a swab into your nostril to get a sample. RIDTs provide results within approximately 10 to 15 minutes, but they may not be as accurate as other flu tests. You could still have the flu even though your rapid test result is negative. Rapid molecular assays for flu testing Rapid molecular assays are flu tests that detect the genetic material of the flu virus. They produce results in 15 to 30 minutes and are more accurate than RIDTs. These tests use a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Healthcare providers also use this test for people who are in the hospital and have flu symptoms. Specialized laboratory flu tests Other specialized laboratory flu tests are more accurate than RIDTs and rapid molecular assays. One of these tests is called reverse-transcription polymerase chain react...