Information for Clinicians on Influenza Virus Testing
exclamation square light iconIs it Flu or COVID-19?
Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Diagnostic testing can help determine if you are sick with the flu or COVID-19.
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
- Table 4. Multiplex Assays Authorized for Simultaneous Detection of Influenza Viruses and SARS-CoV-2
- 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 pdf icon[2.45 MB, 36 Pages]external icon. Refer to this DOT guidance for shipment of clinical specimens for diagnostic testing.
- CDC’s Diagnostic Multiplex Assay for Flu and COVID-19 and Supplies
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 external icon
- Microbiology Devices; Reclassification of Influenza Virus Antigen Detection Test Systems Intended for Use Directly With Clinical Specimens external icon
- Annals of Internal Medicine: Influenza external icon
Page last reviewed: August 31, 2020
