Influenza A / Influenza B / RSV PCR Test - Same Day Turnaround

The Influenza A, Influenza B and RSV RT-PCR test is intended for the quantitative detection of Influenza A, Influenza B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

About Influenza A and B, and RSV

Human Influenza A viruses are medically important pathogens that cause significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The emergence of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus has led to increased vigilance in monitoring these infections. Unlike Influenza A viruses, Influenza B virus is found only in humans. Influenza B virus is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA. Type B flu may cause a less severe reaction than type A flu virus, but type B can still be extremely harmful for the immunocompromised.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus, causes a variety of respiratory illnesses. In at risk infants and children, it can cause bronchitis, croup, and lower respiratory infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Premature infants, very young infants, and those with chronic (always present) lung or heart disease or with suppressed (weakened) immune systems have a greater chance of having a more severe infection such as a lower respiratory tract infection. Symptomatic RSV infections may occur in adults, particularly in healthcare workers or caretakers of small children. High-risk adults, such as those with certain chronic illnesses or immunosuppression, may have more severe symptoms consistent with a lower respiratory tract infection, such as pneumonia.

Extraction of Influenza A, Influenza B, and RSV virus nucleic acid from specimen, followed by combined reverse transcription of viral RNA and PCR amplification using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) methods. An internal control is added to ensure that extraction was performed correctly and that the RT-PCR reaction was not inhibited.

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Eurofins Viracor. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Results should be used in conjunction with clinical findings, and should not form the sole basis for a diagnosis or treatment decision.

Influenza A and B qRT-PCR

The primers and probes used in the INFA assay are specific for known H3N2, pandemic (2009) H1N1 and seasonal H1N1 and the primers and probes used in the INFB assay are specific for known INFB strains.  Additionally, no cross reactivity was detected when tested against ADV, CMV, EBV, HSV-1, HSV-2, Enterovirus, Parainfluenza virus, Coronavirus 229E, SARS CoV-2, Rhinovirus, RSVA, RSVB,  C. pneumoniae and Group A Strep.  In silico analysis has demonstrated that Viracor’s INFA or INFB assays are not expected to cross-react with other respiratory viruses, bacteria or fungal pathogens/commensals.