Name of the Procedure:

Pathogen-specific RNA testing for viral respiratory tract infection, targeting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Influenza A, and Influenza B.

Summary

This diagnostic procedure involves testing an upper respiratory specimen to determine if it contains RNA from three specific viruses: SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19), Influenza A, and Influenza B. Each virus is reported as either detected or not detected.

Purpose

The test is used to diagnose viral respiratory tract infections caused by SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B. By identifying the specific virus causing an infection, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about treatment and infection control measures.

Indications

• Symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, body aches, and fatigue.
• Exposure to known cases of COVID-19 or Influenza.
• Outbreak monitoring in community or healthcare settings.
• Pre-procedure screening for patients scheduled for certain surgeries or treatments.

Preparation

• No specific preparation is usually needed.
• Patients may be advised to avoid eating or drinking 30 minutes before the sample collection.
• Inform the healthcare provider of any medications or medical conditions.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is asked to sit comfortably.
2. A healthcare professional uses a swab to collect a sample from the upper respiratory tract, typically from the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose).
3. The swab is inserted through the nostril and gently rotated to collect cells and mucus.
4. The sample is placed in a sterile container and sent to a laboratory.
5. In the lab, the RNA is extracted and tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of viral RNA for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B.

Duration

• Sample collection: 5-10 minutes.
• Laboratory testing: 24-48 hours for results.

Setting

• Outpatient clinic, hospital, or specialized testing center.

Personnel

• Trained healthcare professional (nurse or technician) to collect the specimen.
• Laboratory technicians and microbiologists to process and analyze the sample.

Risks and Complications

• Mild discomfort or gagging during the swab collection.
• Rare risks include minor bleeding or infection at the swab site.
• False negatives or false positives, though rare, can occur based on sample quality and timing.

Benefits

• Accurate identification of the specific virus causing the respiratory infection.
• Quick results facilitate timely treatment and isolation measures.
• Helps in preventing the spread of infection to others.

Recovery

• No recovery time required from the test itself.
• Patients can resume normal activities immediately.
• Follow medical advice based on test results for recovery from the illness.

Alternatives

• Antigen tests for rapid detection, but they are generally less sensitive than RNA tests.
• Clinical diagnosis based on symptoms alone, which is less accurate.
• Chest X-rays or CT scans to assess related complications, not specific to viral identification.

Patient Experience

• Mild discomfort during the swabbing process, typically lasting a few seconds.
• May experience anxiety while waiting for test results; support and information from healthcare providers can help.
• Follow-up instructions will be given based on test results to manage health and well-being.