Where can I get tested for influenza A and B?

Apr 09, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Hello, doctor. I'd like to ask where I can get tested for influenza A and B?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Jiang Weimin
To test for influenza A and B, it is best to go to a professional hospital for testing. Testing centers and pathogen biology laboratories in general hospitals are capable of detecting influenza A and B by examining serum and bodily fluid samples to determine whether an individual is infected. Various techniques can be used during testing, such as serological testing, immunological testing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. In serological testing, antigen-antibody reactions occur between viral antigens and antibodies under specific conditions, while PCR testing detects the virus's genetic material. RT-PCR testing uses virus-specific primers to detect the virus and offers higher sensitivity than standard PCR testing. Regardless of the chosen method, reliable and accurate test results depend on the hospital's testing technologies and equipment.