Influenza Tests
Why am I having this test?
You may have an influenza test to help your health care provider determine what type of respiratory infection you have. The test may also be used to help determine a treatment plan or to monitor influenza activity within a community.
What is being tested?
This test checks a sample of bodily fluid (secretions) for the presence of the influenza virus.
What kind of sample is taken?
What happens during the test?
Your health care provider may perform one or both of the following tests:
How are the results reported?
Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative. The normal result for this test is:
Sometimes, the test results may report that a condition is present when it is not present. This is called a false-positive result.
The test results may also report that a condition is not present when it is present. This is called a false-negative result.
What do the results mean?
Talk with your health care provider about what your test results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
Ask your health care provider, or the department that is 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?
Summary
-
An influenza test helps your health care provider check for the presence of the influenza virus.
-
A sample of fluid (secretions) is required for this test. The sample is collected by swabbing your nose or throat, or by collecting secretions (aspirate) from the nasal cavity.
-
Your health care provider may use a rapid influenza test or a viral culture, or both, to test your sample. Results of a rapid test can be given within 30 minutes. Results of a viral culture can take several days.
-
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
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.