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🧪 What is the Influenza Panel by RT-PCR?

The Influenza Panel by RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase–Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a molecular diagnostic test used to detect and differentiate viral RNA of various influenza viruses in a respiratory specimen (e.g., nasal/throat swab, nasopharyngeal aspirate).

It is highly sensitive and specific.
Can detect Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2), Influenza B, and other subtypes.
Often bundled with other respiratory virus panels (e.g., RSV, adenovirus).

❓ Why is the Test Done?

To:

Detect active influenza infection
Differentiate between Influenza A and Influenza B
Identify subtypes (e.g., H1N1, H3N2)
Initiate timely antiviral therapy
Prevent outbreaks in healthcare or community settings
Guide isolation measures in hospitals, especially during flu season

🧬 How It Works

Viral RNA is extracted from the patient’s swab sample.
RT enzyme converts RNA → cDNA
PCR amplification targets influenza-specific genes
Detection is done through fluorescent probes or melting curve analysis

📈 Interpretation of Results

Result	Interpretation
Positive for Influenza A or B	Active infection present; subtype may be reported (e.g., H1N1)
Negative	No influenza virus detected (at time of sample collection)
Inconclusive/Invalid	Technical issue or insufficient viral RNA; may require retesting

Note: A negative result does not always rule out influenza — especially if the sample was collected too early or too late in the illness.

📊 Typical Viruses Detected

Virus	Subtype
Influenza A	H1N1, H3N2
Influenza B	Yamagata, Victoria lineages
(Optional in extended panels)	RSV, Parainfluenza, Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Coronavirus (non-SARS-CoV-2)

🧠 Associated Organs & Conditions

System	Conditions
Respiratory	Influenza (flu), viral pneumonia, exacerbation of asthma/COPD
Systemic	Febrile illness, fatigue, body aches, complications like myocarditis
Immunocompromised	More severe disease and prolonged viral shedding

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

Rapid Influenza Antigen Test (less accurate)
CBC, CRP – For infection severity assessment
Chest X-ray – If pneumonia is suspected
COVID-19 PCR or antigen – In co-infection screening
Respiratory virus panel – Broader multiplex PCR panel

✅ Fasting Required?

Test	Fasting Requirement
Influenza Panel by RT-PCR	❌ Not required

📝 Summary Table

Parameter	Description
What	Detects and differentiates Influenza A/B RNA via RT-PCR
Why	Diagnose flu, guide treatment, isolate infectious patients
Sample Type	Nasopharyngeal or throat swab
Positive Result	Active influenza infection
Negative Result	No flu virus detected (at test time)
Follow-up Tests	CBC, chest X-ray, respiratory virus panel
Associated Conditions	Flu, pneumonia, viral fever
Fasting Required	❌ No

Influenza Panel by RT-PCR

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