Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test (Influenza/ Flu Panel)

The Flu-Xpert Viral Panel detects Influenza A, Influenza B, H1N1, H3N2, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Flu-Xpert Viral Panel is done to:

• Aid in the diagnosis of respiratory infections caused by Influenza A, Influenza B, H1N1, H3N2, and RSV.
• Provide rapid and accurate results, allowing for timely initiation of appropriate antiviral therapy.
• Monitor the prevalence and distribution of these respiratory viruses in different populations.
• Guide infection control measures in hospital and community settings to prevent the spread of these viruses.
• Assist in identifying outbreaks of respiratory illnesses caused by these viruses and help implement appropriate public health measures to contain them.

If the results of the Flu-Xpert Viral Panel are abnormal, it means that one or more of the respiratory viruses that the test detects have been detected in the patient's respiratory sample. If the test detects Influenza A or B, antiviral therapy may be initiated to treat the infection. In the case of RSV, supportive care such as oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation may be required, particularly in infants or patients with underlying medical conditions. In addition to treatment of the underlying infection, infection control measures may be implemented to prevent the spread of the virus to other individuals. This may include isolation precautions in hospital or community settings and contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.

During the Flu-Xpert Viral Panel, a respiratory sample will be collected from the patient using a nasopharyngeal swab, which involves inserting a long, thin swab through the nostril and into the back of the throat to collect a sample of secretions. Other types of respiratory samples, such as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, may also be collected in some cases. During the collection of the respiratory sample, patients may experience some discomfort, such as a tickling or itching sensation in the nose or throat, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated and does not cause significant pain. Patients should follow the instructions of their healthcare provider regarding the collection of the respiratory sample and any other pre-test instructions.

There are generally no specific preparations required before a Flu-Xpert Viral Panel. However, patients should follow any instructions provided by their healthcare provider regarding the collection of the respiratory sample. Patients may be asked to wear a mask or other personal protective equipment (PPE) during the test to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to healthcare providers.

The Flu-Xpert Viral Panel is typically recommended for individuals who present with symptoms of respiratory illness during flu season or when respiratory infections are prevalent in the community.

The symptoms that may prompt healthcare providers to order a Flu-Xpert Viral Panel may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

In addition to the Flu-Xpert Viral Panel, healthcare providers may order other tests to help diagnose and manage respiratory infections, depending on the patient's clinical presentation and medical history. Some common tests that may be ordered alongside the Flu-Xpert Viral Panel include:

• Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the levels of different types of blood cells and can help detect signs of infection, inflammation, or anemia.
• Sputum culture: This test involves collecting a sample of sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs) and sending it to a laboratory for analysis to help identify the specific bacteria causing a respiratory infection.
• Rapid antigen test: This test is a quick diagnostic test that can detect the presence of certain respiratory viruses, such as influenza, in a respiratory sample. However, it may be less sensitive and specific than the Flu-Xpert Viral Panel.
• COVID-19 test: In the current pandemic, a COVID-19 test may also be ordered alongside the Flu-Xpert Viral Panel to help diagnose a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

• Influenza A test
• Influenza B test
• H1N1 test
• Swine flu test
• Flu Test
• H3N2 test
• Human flu test
• Hong Kong Virus Test
• Respiratory syncytial virus test
• RSV test