Services
Lab
Influenza Tests
Also known as: Flu test, Rapid flu test,
Influenza antigen test
Formal name: Influenza tests
Related tests: Strep, Blood culture
Why get tested?
To determine whether or not you have the influenza A or B; to help your
doctor make rapid treatment decisions; and to help determine whether or not the
flu has come to your community.
When to get tested?
When it is flue season and your doctor wants to determine whether your
flu-like symptoms are due to influenza A or B, or to other causes; within 48
hours of the onset of your symptoms, to help determine treatment options.
Sample required?
Depends on testing method being used; usually a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab, a
nasal aspirate or nasal wash; under approved circumstances, a throat swab.
Back to
Lab