RSV, SARS CoV-2 and influenza detection, with distinguishing A and B viruses by RT-PCR (rapid tests)

Qualitative nasopharyngeal swab test detects 4 types of viruses:

• RSV - a respiratory syncytial virus attacks the upper and lower respiratory tract, particularly in children as young as 5 years old. It can also cause infections in adults, especially the elderly and/or immunocompromised. The virus is highly contagious, and infections are often epidemic in nature.
• SARS CoV-2 - severe respiratory distress syndrome virus causing COVID-19 disease. Most often manifested by flu-like symptoms, the infection can also be asymptomatic, but in any case the virus is highly contagious and has the character of a rapidly spreading pandemic.
• Flu A and B - an acute syndrome with inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by infection with the influenza virus. Depending on the structure of the nucleoproteid antigen, several types of the virus are distinguished: A, B, C,D. The influenza A virus and its subtypes, as well as the type B virus, are most often responsible for the disease symptoms in humans. Infection can take the form of an epidemic or pandemic.

What method is used in performing this test ?

The test involves the detection of genetic material, RNA of viruses by real-time RT-PCR. This method is characterized by high sensitivity and specificity.

When should the test be performed?

The test should be performed in the first few days after the onset of symptoms of respiratory tract infection.