Flu (influenza) tests
Explanation
Flu tests look for influenza viruses, usually in a sample taken from the nose or throat. They can help find out whether influenza A or B is causing a respiratory illness, an infection affecting the airways or lungs.
Are all rapid tests the same?
No. Antigen tests look for proteins from the virus. Molecular tests look for its genetic material and usually detect infection more reliably. PCR, short for polymerase chain reaction, is one molecular method. Some molecular tests also give rapid results, so the word rapid does not tell you which method was used.
Does a negative result rule out flu?
No. A test can miss infection, particularly a rapid antigen test. The result depends partly on the amount of virus in the sample and when it was collected. A clinician may use a molecular test or consider other causes if symptoms still suggest an infection.
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