Influenza Tests

Why am I having this test?

You may need an influenza, or flu, test to check if you have the flu. Some tests can also tell you what type of flu you have.

This test may also be used to come up with a treatment plan or to keep an eye on flu activity within a community.

What is being tested?

The flu is caused by a germ called a virus. This test checks a sample of your body fluids to see if you have the virus.

What kind of sample is taken?

A sample being collected by swabbing the nose.

A test sample being taken from a person's throat.

A sample is taken from your nose or throat. It may be collected with:

A swab.
A wash, or aspirate.

What happens during the test?

Your health care provider may do one or both of these tests:

A rapid flu test. This test is more accurate when done within 3–4 days after your symptoms begin. A sample taken from your nose may be more accurate than a sample taken from your throat.
- Some of these tests may be done in less than 30 minutes in your provider's office. Others may be sent to a lab, and you'll get the results the next day.
- Some of these tests can tell you what type of flu you have. In most cases, it's type A or type B.
A viral culture. For this test, a sample is taken from your nose or throat. It's sent to a lab, but it may take a few days before the results are ready.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as positive or negative. The normal result for this test is negative for type A and type B.

What do the results mean?

A positive test result means that you have the flu.
A negative test result means that you likely don't have the flu.

Talk with your provider about what your test results mean. In some cases, your provider may do more testing to confirm the results.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your provider or the department doing the test:

When will my results be ready?
How will I get my results?
What are my treatment options?
What other tests do I need?
What are my next steps?

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.