Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; influenza B virus
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Infectious Agent Antigen Detection by Immunofluorescent Technique; Influenza B Virus
Common Name: Immunofluorescent Test for Influenza B
Summary
This test involves detecting the presence of influenza B virus antigens in a patient's respiratory sample using an immunofluorescent technique, which uses fluorescent dyes and antibodies that bind to specific viral antigens.
Purpose
Condition Addressed: Influenza B infection
Goals: To diagnose or confirm the presence of influenza B virus in patients exhibiting symptoms of respiratory infection. The results help guide appropriate treatment measures and infection control.
Indications
Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and respiratory difficulties.
Patient Criteria: Patients with symptoms of influenza, especially during flu season or outbreaks.
Preparation
Instructions: No specific preparation required. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any medications they are taking.
Pre-Test Assessments: A sample is collected typically via a nasal swab, nasopharyngeal swab, or throat swab.
Procedure Description
- Sample Collection: A nasal or throat swab is taken from the patient.
- Sample Preparation: The collected sample is processed and placed on a slide.
- Antibody Application: Fluorescent-labeled antibodies specific to influenza B antigens are applied to the sample.
- Incubation: The slide is incubated to allow the antibodies to bind to any present influenza B antigens.
- Observation: The slide is examined under a fluorescent microscope. If the virus is present, the antibodies will fluoresce, signaling a positive result.
Tools and Equipment: Swabs, slides, fluorescent-labeled antibodies, incubator, fluorescent microscope.
Anesthesia Details: Not applicable; the procedure is non-invasive and typically does not cause significant discomfort.
Duration
The entire process, from sample collection to observation under the microscope, typically takes about 1-2 hours.
Setting
This procedure is usually performed in a hospital laboratory or an outpatient clinic equipped with specialized laboratory facilities.
Personnel
- Healthcare Providers: Medical laboratory scientists or technicians trained in immunofluorescent techniques.
Risks and Complications
Common Risks: Minor discomfort during swab collection.
Rare Risks: Potential for false-positive or false-negative results, though these are minimized with proper technique and controls.
Benefits
Expected Benefits: Accurate and timely detection of influenza B virus.
Timeline: Results are generally available within a few hours, allowing for prompt initiation of antiviral treatment if necessary.
Recovery
Post-Procedure Care: None required; patients can resume normal activities immediately.
Expected Recovery Time: Immediate, as this is a diagnostic test with no recovery period.
Alternatives
Other Options: Rapid antigen tests, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests, viral cultures.
Comparison: RT-PCR tests are highly sensitive but may take longer and require more specialized equipment. Rapid antigen tests provide quicker results but may be less sensitive than the immunofluorescent technique.
Patient Experience
During Procedure: Some temporary discomfort or a gagging sensation during swab collection.
After Procedure: No significant discomfort.
Pain Management: Not typically needed, but swabs can cause minor irritation that is usually short-lived.