1. The Influenza panel testing is a multiplex PCR test which detects the following:
A).Type A influenza virus
B).Type B influenza virus
C).Pandemic influenza A virus
D).Pandemic H1N1 and
E).Influenza A (H3N2)
2-The sample type is Nasopharyngeal and/or Oropharyngeal swab. Other respiratory samples such as tracheal aspirate /bronchoalveolar lavage/sputum can also be tested.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Nasopharyngeal and/or Oropharyngeal swab
Sputum
Tracheal Aspirate
3-The turn around time of the test is around 8 hours.
4-The test is important so that the correct diagnosis and treatment can be started and spread of the virus can be contained.
Introduction:
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Every year, millions of people around the world are infected with influenza, leading to severe illness and even death in some cases. The symptoms of the flu can range from mild to severe, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and headaches.
Diagnosing influenza can be challenging, as its symptoms can be similar to other respiratory illnesses. However, there are several tests available that can help healthcare providers determine if a patient has influenza. One of these tests is the flu panel test, which is a diagnostic tool that can identify the specific strain of the flu virus causing the illness.
What is a Flu Panel Test?
A flu panel test is a diagnostic tool that is used to detect and identify the specific type of influenza virus that is causing a patient's illness. This test is usually performed in a laboratory and can be done using a variety of methods, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), viral culture, and rapid antigen tests.
The flu panel test is designed to detect the presence of influenza A and B viruses, as well as other respiratory viruses that can cause flu-like symptoms. These other viruses can include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and adenovirus.
How is a Flu Panel Test Performed?
There are several methods that can be used to perform a flu panel test, including PCR, viral culture, and rapid antigen tests. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on the specific needs of the patient and the healthcare provider.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Testing:
PCR testing is a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting influenza viruses. This method involves amplifying the viral genetic material using a technique called reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). The RT-PCR method converts the viral RNA into DNA, which is then amplified and detected using a fluorescent probe. This method is able to detect low levels of viral genetic material, making it a very sensitive test for influenza.
Viral Culture:
Viral culture is another method that can be used to detect influenza viruses. This method involves growing the virus in a laboratory setting, which can take several days. Once the virus has been grown, it can be identified using specific antibodies that are designed to detect the virus. While viral culture is a highly accurate method for detecting influenza, it is time-consuming and may not be the best option for patients who need rapid diagnosis.
Rapid Antigen Tests:
Rapid antigen tests are a quick and easy method for detecting influenza viruses. These tests work by detecting the presence of viral antigens in a patient's respiratory secretions. The test can be done in a doctor's office or clinic, and results can be obtained within 15-30 minutes. While rapid antigen tests are fast and convenient, they are less sensitive than PCR testing and may produce false negative results.
Benefits and Limitations of Flu Panel Testing:
The flu panel test has several benefits for patients and healthcare providers. One of the main benefits is that it can identify the specific type of influenza virus causing the illness, which can help guide treatment decisions. For example, some strains of influenza may be resistant to certain antiviral medications, so knowing the specific strain can help healthcare providers choose the most effective treatment.
Another benefit of flu panel testing is that it can identify other respiratory viruses that can cause flu-like symptoms. This can be helpful for patients who have negative flu test results but still have respiratory symptoms. Identifying the specific virus causing the illness can help guide treatment and prevent unnecessary antibiotic use.
Despite its benefits, there are some limitations to flu panel testing.
The global Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Testing market size is expected to reach USD 22.97 billion by 2028 and register a CAGR of 7.8% according to the latest report by Reports and Data.
Increasing cases of chronic conditions and rising prevalence of lifestyle-associated diseases such as obesity or hypertension due to smoking, lack of exercise, and sedentary lifestyle are primarily boosting demand for comprehensive metabolic panel testing systems.
In addition, growing adoption of point-of-care CMP testing and rising number of biopsy processes are expected to further enhance revenue growth.
However, factors, such as implementation of strict regulations and high possibility of fast results due to dearth of skilled professionals, are expected to hamper growth of the global comprehensive metabolic panel testing market during the forecast period.
Some of the examples include increasing consumer involvement in health care decision-making, the rapid adoption of virtual health & other digital innovations, increasing focus on utilization of interoperable data & data analytics, and increased public-private collaborations in therapeutics and vaccine development.
The increased public-private collaborations for vaccine development has arisen due to high pressure of regional governments.
