Test | Time to results | Comments |
Recommended tests |
Conventional molecular assays, including real-time RT-PCR and multiplex PCR (nucleic acid detection) | 1 to 8 hours | - High sensitivity and very high specificity
- Can differentiate influenza A and B, as well as influenza A subtypes
- Multiplex PCR detects other respiratory viruses and bacterial pathogens
|
Rapid molecular assays (nucleic acid detection) | 15 to 30 minutes | - High sensitivity and specificity
- Can differentiate influenza A and B, but cannot not differentiate influenza A subtypes
|
Additional tests |
Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (antigen detection) | <15 minutes | - Low to moderate sensitivity; high specificity
|
Direct and indirect immunofluorescence (antigen detection) | 1 to 4 hours | - Moderately high sensitivity; high specificity
|
Viral culture |
| 1 to 3 days | - Moderately high sensitivity; highest specificity
- Not useful for timely clinical management
- Used for public health surveillance
|
- Isolation in cell culture
| 3 to 10 days |