Name of the Procedure:

Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); influenza virus, includes reverse transcription, when performed, and amplified probe technique, each type or subtype.
Common Name(s): Influenza virus PCR test, Flu PCR test, Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) for influenza

Summary

This test detects the presence of influenza virus genetic material (either DNA or RNA) in a sample taken from the patient. It involves reverse transcription and amplification of the viral genetic material to identify the specific type or subtype of the influenza virus present.

Purpose

The procedure helps diagnose influenza infections by identifying the virus's genetic material. The goal is to confirm an influenza infection accurately, which aids in deciding the appropriate treatment and managing patient care effectively.

Indications

• Symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue suggestive of influenza.
• Recent exposure to an individual diagnosed with influenza.
• High-risk groups (e.g., young children, elderly, immunocompromised patients) showing flu-like symptoms.
• Hospitalized patients with acute respiratory illness.

Preparation

• No specific fasting or medication adjustments are generally required.
• Patients should inform the healthcare provider of any recent antiviral medication use.
• A recent upper respiratory sample (nasal or throat swab) needs to be collected for testing.

Procedure Description

1. A healthcare provider collects a sample from the patient, usually using a nasal or throat swab.
2. The sample is processed in a laboratory where the viral RNA is extracted.
3. Reverse transcription is performed to convert RNA into DNA.
4. Amplification of the DNA is carried out using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques.
5. The amplified DNA is then analyzed to detect the presence and type of the influenza virus.
6. Results are reported back to the healthcare provider.

Equipment used:

• Nasal or throat swab
• Laboratory PCR machine
• Reagents for reverse transcription and amplification

No anesthesia or sedation is required for the sample collection.

Duration

The sample collection takes a few minutes. The laboratory processing and analysis may take several hours to a day depending on the lab's capacity.

Setting

The sample collection is performed in outpatient settings like doctor's offices, clinics, or hospitals. The analysis is done in specialized laboratories.

Personnel

• Primary care physician or nurse for sample collection
• Laboratory technicians and technologists for analysis
• Pathologists for result interpretation

Risks and Complications

• Minor discomfort or gagging during nasal or throat swab collection.
• Rarely, nosebleed after swab collection.

There are no significant risks associated with the laboratory analysis itself.

Benefits

• Accurate and specific diagnosis of influenza within a short time frame.
• Helps guide appropriate antiviral treatment and patient care.
• Reduces unnecessary antibiotic use.

Recovery

• No recovery time required after sample collection.
• Follow-up care depends on the test results and clinical condition.

Alternatives

• Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs): Less sensitive compared to PCR but provide faster results.
• Viral culture: More time-consuming but useful for confirming infection and subtyping.
• Clinical diagnosis based on symptoms and medical history.

Patient Experience

The patient might feel mild discomfort during the swab collection. There is no pain involved in the laboratory testing phase. Post-procedure, the patient can continue daily activities while awaiting results. Pain management and comfort measures are generally not required.