Influenza A and B Antigen, Immunoassay
Test Code
Clinical Significance
Influenza A and B Antigen, Immunoassay - Influenza is an acute viral disease that is seasonal in incidence, occurring in the colder months. The illness classically presents with sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, myalgia and a non-productive cough. Influenza A or B virus cause the majority of clinically significant disease, with influenza C virus being responsible only for mild, predominately upper respiratory tract illness. Patients who present with suspected influenza may benefit from treatment with antiviral agents. Since the therapeutic options have expanded to include options for the treatment of influenza B ...
Test Resources
Test Details
Methodology
Reference Range(s)
| Influenza A Antigen | Not detected |
| Influenza B Antigen | Not detected |
Alternative Name(s)
Preferred Specimen(s)
Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab collected in VCM medium or equivalent FDA approved transport media, Amies Liquid Transport Swab, Amies Liquid Elution Swab (ESwab™) or equivalent, or 1 mL saline
or
Nasopharyngeal washes/aspirate or lower nasal(turbinate) washes collected in VCM medium or equivalent FDA approved transport media
Alternative Specimen(s)
Throat swab
Minimum Volume
One swab or 1 mL
Collection Instructions
NP swabs: Flocked nylon, Dacron® polyester or rayon-tipped swabs with flexible wire are recommended.
Washes and aspirates: Should be added to an equal amount of VCM medium
Transport Container
NP swabs: VCM medium or equivalent FDA approved transport media, Amies Liquid Transport Swab, Amies Liquid Elution Swab (ESwab) or equivalent, or 1 mL saline Washes and aspirates: VCM medium or equivalent FDA approved transport media.
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
- VCM or equivalent
- Room temperature: Unacceptable
- Refrigerated: 72 hours
- Frozen: 6 months
- Transport swab or saline
- Room temperature: Unacceptable
- Refrigerated: 72 hours
- Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject Criteria
Specimens submitted in transport systems not listed as acceptable • Sources other than those listed as preferred or acceptable • Wooden-shaft swabs • Cotton tipped swabs • Calcium alginate swabs
Setup Schedule
or
Nasopharyngeal washes/aspirate or lower nasal(turbinate) washes collected in VCM medium or equivalent FDA approved transport media
Washes and aspirates: Should be added to an equal amount of VCM medium
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 6 months
Transport swab or saline
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable