Health Network Laboratories Lab Handbook Search Page

Influenza A/B Screen, Rapid

Includes:

NOTE: Rapid influenza screen is only done in season.
•Screen for Influenza A and B
•Reflexed when negative to Respiratory virus culture •Enhanced shell vial cell culture/immunofluorescent stain for Influenza A/B, RSV, Adenovirus,Parainfluenza 1, 2, 3

CPT:

87804 (x2), Reflexed when appropriate:87254 x7

Alternate Name:

Rapid, Flu A/B Screen

Methodology:

Rapid Enzmye Immunoassay (EIA)

Testing Schedule:

Routine, daily

Report Available:

•2 hours from receipt of specimen for RapidScreen
•1-3 days for Culture, Immunfluorescent Stain

Specimen Requirements:

Minimum Volume:

•Nasal aspirate OR nasal washings
•Swabs of nasopharyngeal

Container:

Viral culture kit

Collection:

NOTE: Kit (obtained from laboratory) is provided with “flocked” swab and a viral transport tube (UTM).
Nasopharyngeal swab is specimen of choice
(Also acceptable : nasal secretions in viral transport media or nasal wash collected in saline)
•To collect Nasopharyngeal swab - Gently pass the swab through the nose and into the posterior nasopharynx. Rub the swab on the nasopharyngeal membrane several times to loosen and collect cellular material. Withdraw swab and place swab in UTM-RT tube and snap off at the score mark. Securely screw on cap of UTM. Label tube with patient name + collection date.
•Complete HNL Lab Requisition Form
•Order FLUAB for rapid Flu testing (negative Rapid Flu is reflexed to a full respiratory virus culture unless request states DO NOT CULTURE)
•Send to Laboratory on wet ice

Special Instructions and/or Comments:

NOTE: All negative Rapid Influenza A/B AntigenScreens are followed up by a virus culture.Please indicate if follow up culture is NOT wanted.

Reference Range:

Influenza is seasonal viral diasease usually occurring in the winter months typical symptomsare fever, chills ,myalgia. Differentiation of Influenza A and B is important for treatment options. If the rapid screen is negative the specimen is reflexed to culture for seven respiratory pathogens (Influenza A and B, RSV,Adenovirus, Parainfluenza 1,2,and 3)using mixed celllines and immunoflourescent staining Rapid diagnosis of respiratory viral infections is important for the proper treatment of patients and to prevent the needless use of antbiotics or antiviral drugs.