Tests:Influenza A B

Overview
Department	Microbiology – Molecular
Test Code	LABR
Synonyms	Influenza (A or B) Flu RSV Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Base Lab Availability	Monday - Sunday, testing routinely available out of hours
Hawera Lab Availability	Monday - Friday, 8am to 4 30pm
Turnaround Time	2 – 24 hours from receipt Results may be delayed out of routine business hours. Urgent requests will be prioritised
Stability – Add test	Add-ons can be made if an appropriate sample has already been received for other PCR testing within one week of specimen collection.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen	Swab
Preferred	Nasopharyngeal swab in VTM (Viral transport media)  Samples should be taken as early as possible within the first 3-5 days after onset of symptoms.
Acceptable
Unacceptable	Leaking samples Unlabelled and mislabelled samples
Specimen Transportation	ASAP to Laboratory
Paediatric Requirements	Paediatric nasopharyngeal swab in VTM (Viral transport media)
Aliquot Requirements
Sample
Preferred Volume
Minimum Volume
Aliquot Transportation	If there is a delay in getting sample to the laboratory, please store sample chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
Clinical Information
Reference Intervals	Results reported as DETECTED or NOT Detected for Influenza A, Influenza B and RSV. Specimens that fail for technical reasons will be tested by another method and/or reflex tested for the full respiratory multiplex panel, meaning results will be delayed. Single or multiple viruses may be detected.
Test Method	Real-time RT-PCR test on the GeneXpert analyser for the detection of Influenza A (Flu A), Influenza B (Flu B), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Note if a “QUAD” swab is requested then Influenza A + B, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 are tested.
Advanced Notice
Patient Preparation	To minimise inhibition in the assay, please ensure the patients blow their nose prior to taking a nasopharyngeal swab
Comments
For mainstream routine respiratory testing during Influenza/RSV season. Rapid screening using molecular PCR to identify key respiratory viruses during outbreaks. In cases that clinically justify a wider selection of respiratory pathogens, reflex testing can be performed at a reference laboratory using our Respiratory multiplex assay by contacting the laboratory directly on extn 7878 or by stating clearly on original request: "FULL RESPIRATORY MULTIPLEX" with clear clinical details supporting this request. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Full Respiratory Multiplex and Bordetella pertussis PCR may be carried out on the same nasopharyngeal swab. Please note: Testing of the full respiratory multiplex assay does not have the same turnaround time as Influenza A/B, RSV testing as the sample is forwarded to a reference laboratory.

Owner	Melanie Williams (Williams1)
Last reviewed	24.12.2025
Next review	24.12.2026 (OK)