Flu Tests at a Glance

From rapid tests to cell culture to molecular assays, there are many different methods available for respiratory virus testing.

Footnote:

* There are 3 types of positive Influenza A results generated by xTAG RVP:
1) Flu A positive – unsubtypeable; 2) Flu A positive – seasonal H1; 3) Flu A positive – seasonal H3¹. 
Extensive empirical testing carried out during the spring 2009 swine flu outbreak has shown that 99% of swine flu specimens generate a
“Flu A positive – unsubtypeable” result and were confirmed as 2009 Influenza A/H1N1 by the CDC swine flu assay^1,2.
 

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. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/diagnosis/0809testingguide.htm
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.