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🧬 What is H1N1 RNA Detection by Real-Time PCR?

This test detects the presence of H1N1 influenza virus RNA using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from a nasopharyngeal or throat swab.

H1N1 is a subtype of Influenza A virus, responsible for swine flu
RT-PCR is the gold standard for diagnosing active H1N1 infection

❓ Why is the Test Done?

To:

Confirm a clinical diagnosis of influenza (H1N1) during flu seasons or outbreaks
Identify H1N1 in patients with flu-like symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, muscle pain, etc.
Detect and isolate cases to prevent community transmission
Evaluate high-risk patients (e.g., pregnant women, elderly, immunocompromised)
Support public health surveillance and outbreak control

📊 Normal Range / Reference

Result	Interpretation
Negative / Not Detected	No H1N1 RNA present; individual likely not infected or sample below detection threshold
Positive / Detected	H1N1 viral RNA found — confirms active infection

🧪 The test typically reports Ct value (Cycle threshold) — lower Ct means higher viral load.

📈 Interpretation of Results

Result	Clinical Meaning
H1N1 RNA Detected	Active H1N1 influenza infection; initiate isolation and treatment
H1N1 RNA Not Detected	No active H1N1 virus present or viral load below detectable levels
Inconclusive / Invalid	Repeat test needed; may be due to poor sampling or PCR inhibition

🧠 Associated Organs & Symptoms

System	Common Manifestations
Respiratory	- High fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion - Shortness of breath, pneumonia in severe cases
Systemic	- Body aches, fatigue, chills, headache
Complications	- Viral pneumonia, bacterial superinfection, ARDS - Encephalitis (rare), myocarditis in severe infections

🧪 Sample Type & Collection

Nasopharyngeal swab (preferred)
Throat swab
Nasopharyngeal aspirate or BAL fluid (in hospitalized patients)

Swabs should be placed in viral transport medium (VTM) and transported at 2–8°C.

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDT) – Less sensitive than PCR
Influenza A/B RT-PCR – Broader detection
Complete Blood Count (CBC) – May show leukopenia
Chest X-ray / HRCT – If pneumonia suspected
CRP, Procalcitonin – To rule out bacterial superinfection
COVID-19 RT-PCR – For differential diagnosis in flu-like illness

✅ Fasting Required?

Test	Fasting Requirement
H1N1 RT-PCR (Swab)	❌ No fasting required — Sample collection based on clinical need, not diet

📝 Summary Table

Parameter	Details
What	RT-PCR test to detect H1N1 influenza virus RNA from a nasopharyngeal or throat swab
Why	Diagnose swine flu, guide treatment, limit spread
Normal Result	Not detected
Positive Result	Active H1N1 infection
Sample Type	Nasopharyngeal swab (preferred), throat swab
Related Conditions	Influenza-like illness, viral pneumonia, secondary infections
Follow-up Tests	CBC, chest X-ray, CRP, Influenza A/B PCR
Fasting Required	❌ No

H1N1 (Swine Flu) RNA Detection by Real Time PCR - Swab

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