Rapid Influenza Antigen (Nasal or Throat Swab)

Does this test have other names?

Rapid influenza diagnostic test

What is this test?

This test quickly checks for signs of the influenza virus in a sample of secretions from your nose or throat.

Influenza – or the "flu" – is an illness of the respiratory system. Influenza A is more common and can be more serious than influenza B. It spreads easily through water droplets in the air from coughs or sneezes of people who are infected. It often affects many people at the same time during fall and winter.

Symptoms of the flu often appear suddenly, about one to four days after you are infected. Most people will recover from the flu within a few days to less than two weeks, but those with a weakened immune system may develop severe pneumonia or other serious complications.

Your doctor can test for the flu in several ways. This test usually gives results quickly. Immunofluorescence is another test and uses a staining technique. Results from these tests are not as accurate as viral cultures, yet another type of influenza test. But these tests are faster and easier and are commonly used for initial screening.

You don't always need an influenza test for your doctor to diagnose the flu. Doctors may make the diagnosis and begin treatment based on your symptoms and a physical exam. 

Why do I need this test?

You may need this test if you have symptoms of the flu to find out whether you have influenza A or B virus. Symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Weakness

• Chills

• Cough

• Pain around your eyes or blurred vision

Even if you don't have symptoms, you may need this test during flu season or an influenza outbreak if you:

• Were discharged from a hospital and got a sudden fever or respiratory illness

• Are in the hospital and have a fever or respiratory illness

What other tests might I have along with this test?

Your doctor may also order other tests, including an immunofluorescence antibody test, viral culture, or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

What do my test results mean?

Many things may affect your lab test results. These include the method each lab uses to do the test. Even if your test results are different from the normal value, you may not have a problem. To learn what the results mean for you, talk with your health care provider.

Normal results are negative, meaning that no signs of the virus were found and that you don't have the flu.

A positive result means that signs of the virus were found and that you may have the flu, especially if other cases of the flu have been reported in your area at the time you are tested.

It's possible to get a false positive result, meaning that you aren't infected. Your doctor may order additional tests, if necessary, to confirm this.

How is this test done?

This test requires a sample of mucus or other secretions from your nose or throat. Your doctor will use a sterile swab to collect the sample.

Another way of taking a sample requires a nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA). In this procedure, a health care provider will inject saline solution into your nose and then collect the sample.

Does this test pose any risks?

You may feel discomfort or gagging sensations when your throat or nasal cavity is swabbed. Collecting an NPA may also be uncomfortable.

What might affect my test results?

If you have another respiratory infection, you may get a false-positive result.

How do I get ready for this test?

You don't need to prepare for this test.