xTAG®

Because you want answers:
Which viral test is right for you?

If you have a respiratory infection, your doctor might use one or more of the following tests to help figure out what’s causing it.

xTAG RVP

• Tests for 12 common respiratory viruses and subtypes in a single test, representing over 85% of the viruses that cause respiratory infections (including all viruses illustrated below except “other”)
• Results are available from your physician the same day or the next day after your sample is taken
• Can reliably detect co-infection with more than one different type of virus
• It can be used as an aid in the detection of 2009 Influenza/H1N1 (swine flu)
• Contact your physician for more information

Rapid virus test

• Rapid tests look for 1 or 2 specific viruses – respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or influenza A and B – these viruses represent only 8.9% and 12.5%, respectively, of the viruses that cause respiratory infections
• Performed in doctor’s office or emergency room while you wait
• Results may be not be reliable in detecting what’s causing the illness

Cell culture

• A cell culture can test for up to seven viruses at once 
• The test provides reliable results, but takes several days – often your doctor has already made a treatment decision for you or your loved one

Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) 

• More reliable than the rapid test, but less reliable than cell culture for most viruses
• Same-day results
• Can test for up to seven viruses at once

Limited molecular tests

• Usually tests for 1 to 3 viruses at once – influenza A, influenza B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - but technical limitations make it difficult to do more 
• With limited molecular tests, results are available from your doctor either the same day you have the test or the next day

References:

1. US xTAG RVP Package Insert.
2. Likelihood that an unsubtypeable influenza A virus result obtained with the Luminex xTAG respiratory virus panel is indicative of infection with novel A/H1N1 (swine like) influenza virus. Ginocchio et al., JCM 2009 Jul;47(7):2347-8. Epub 2009 Jun 3. 
3. Interim Guidance for Influenza Diagnostic Testing During the 2008-09 Influenza Season. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
4. Leland DS, Ginocchio CC. Role of Cell Culture for virus detection in the age of technology. Clin Microbiol Rev 2007;20:49-78
5. Mehlmann M, Bonner AB, Williams JV, et al. Comparison of the MChip to viral culture, reverse transcription-PCR, and the QuickVue Influenza A+B test for rapid diagnosis of influenza. J Clin Microbiol 2007; 45:1234–7
6. Uyeki TM. Influenza diagnosis and treatment in children: a review of studies on clinically useful tests and antiviral treatment for influenza. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2003; 22:164–77
7. Mahony J., et al. Establishing the Epidemiology of Respiratory Virus Infections Using Molecular Technology, Poster presented at the 107th ASM Meeting.