Flu panel test

The UW Clinical Virology Laboratory in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology incorporates the modified FDA approved Panther Fusion® Flu A/B/RSV assay for the rapid detection and differentiation of human influenza A/B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) using real-time PCR. The assay targets the influenza A viruses (matrix gene), the influenza B viruses (matrix gene) and RSV (matrix gene). Results are reported as Detected or NOT detected and a semi-qualitative result is provided by reporting the PCR Cycle threshold (Ct) value for positive specimens. Note: Due to supply chain variables and logistical workflows to minimize turn-around time, orders may be substituted for medically equivalent qualitative assays at an equivalent or cheaper cost at some hospital locations. CPT/PLA codes may differ. Substituted tests may not contain Ct values in all circumstances. Call the laboratory with questions. Synonyms Influenza A, Influenza B, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Components Collect swab specimens according to standard technique using a polyester-, rayon-, or nylon-tipped swab. Immediately place the swab specimen into VTM/UTM. Do not use calcium alginate swabs. Refrigerate (2-8°C) within 4 hours of collection. Collect Broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) and tracheal aspirates in a sterile container. Minimum sample requirement: 0.75 mL Handling Instructions Transport specimens on ice (ice Pak), store at 2 to 8°C for up to 72 hours post collection. If there is a greate...

Please note: LabCorp does not currently collect specimens for this test. Patients for whom testing has been ordered should not be sent to a LabCorp location to have a specimen collected. Instead, an appropriate specimen should be collected at the health care facility where the patient was seen and the test was ordered. The specimen should be sent to LabCorp using standard procedures. Please note: It takes approximately 2 - 4 days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to the release of the test result to the health care provider. Test results are most typically reported electronically, which generally allows for faster delivery. This time frame can vary based on demand, the length of time to transport the specimen to LabCorp's test facilities, and the prioritization of the patients (as defined by heath care authorities and the White House Coronavirus Task Force, HHS and other health authorities). LabCorp is working continuously to support the needs of health care workers, patients, government, clients and other organizations, and expects capacity to continue to increase. 2 - 4 days Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary. For swabs in viral transport medium: Oropharyngeal (OP) samples: Swab included in viral tran...

• A new test you take at home and mail to a lab can let you and your doctor know if you have COVID-19, the flu, or RSV. • This combination test can help people get the appropriate treatment faster. • Experts say that while the test is helpful, even faster results are important. A single nasal swab can now be used to detect “While the FDA has now authorized many COVID-19 tests without a prescription, this is the first test authorized for flu and RSV, along with COVID-19, where an individual can self-identify their need for a test, order it, collect their sample and send it to the lab for testing, without consulting a health care professional,” Jeff Shuren, MD, JD, director of FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a Dr. Daignault says one other advantage to the test is that since it is a PCR test, any positive results will be reported to a public health department, which adds to the data on case counts in the U.S. At the moment the number of cases counted by public health departments is lower than the actual number of cases because so many people are taking rapid antigen tests at home which don’t have to be reported to public health departments. COVID-19, flu, and RSV are viruses that can have similar symptoms. Taking a test to learn which virus you have can help determine what sort of treatment you might need. Plus, because the new test is a PCR test, positive results will be reported to a public health department. This helps surveillance teams more accu...