Flu and RSV

If you require testing out of season, please discuss with the Microbiology medical staff.

Influenza and RSV Point of Care (PoC) testing is available in some emergency triage locations in season - e.g. JR ED, JR EAU, Churchill Haematology / Oncology Triage, Horton ED, Children's ED - and should be used as a first line when admitting patients with flu-like illness, alongside lateral flow testing for COVID-19.

The laboratory has a rapid Influenza / RSV PCR test which detects Influenza A, Influenza B and RSV and SARS CoV2 (COVID-19).

This is a second line test for most patients where there is a clinical concern and PoC is negative.

Sample type

• Nose and throat swab
  
• NPA
  
• BAL

Specimen requirements

Swabs are to be sent in universal transport medium (red or green top)

NPA and BAL to be sent in sterile universal container

Minimum volume

1ml

Frequency of test

Daily

Turnaround time

<3 hours

What to request on EPR

Influenza / RSV PCR (includes SARS-CoV-2) (not UKAS accredited)