Information for Clinicians on Influenza Virus Testing
When to Test for Influenza
How to Interpret Influenza Testing Results
- Algorithm to assist in the interpretation of influenza testing results and clinical decision-making during periods when influenza viruses are circulating in the community
- Algorithm to assist in the interpretation of influenza testing results and clinical decision-making during periods when influenza viruses are NOT circulating in the community
What Influenza Virus Tests Are Available
- Overview of influenza tests
- Influenza Virus Testing Methods
- Table 1: Influenza Virus Testing Methods
- Table 2: FDA-cleared and Available Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests
- Table 3: FDA-cleared Nucleic Acid Detection Based Tests for Influenza Viruses
- Information on Rapid Molecular Assays, RT-PCR, and other Molecular Assays for Diagnosis of Influenza Virus Infection
- Information about Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests
Specimen Collection
- Information on Collection of Respiratory Specimens for Influenza Virus Testing
- Upper respiratory tract specimen collection:
Influenza Specimen Collection Desk Reference Guide
Influenza Specimen Collection Visual Guide
Additional Information
- Algorithm to Assist in Medical Office Telephone Evaluation of Patients with Possible Influenza
- Joint Commission instructional video on specimen collection for health care personnel, including nasal throat swabs and nasopharyngeal swabs
- Department of Transportation (DOT): Transporting Infectious Substances Safely [2.45 MB, 36 Pages]. Refer to this DOT guidance for shipment of clinical specimens for diagnostic testing.
Related Links
- Diagnostic Accuracy of Novel and Traditional Rapid Tests for Influenza Infection Compared With Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
- Microbiology Devices; Reclassification of Influenza Virus Antigen Detection Test Systems Intended for Use Directly With Clinical Specimens
- Annals of Internal Medicine: Influenza
- Page last reviewed: February 26, 2018
- Page last updated: February 26, 2018
- Content source:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)
- Page maintained by: Office of the Associate Director for Communication, Digital Media Branch, Division of Public Affairs