Flu (Influenza) Test: Types, Purpose, Procedure & Results

Is there a test for the flu?

Yes. Flu tests use a respiratory sample to check if you have the flu virus. A healthcare provider will insert a long cotton swab deep into your nostril (nasopharyngeal swab) or around your nasal walls. A flu test is most often done at your healthcare provider’s office, in a hospital or urgent care clinic, or at certain pharmacies. There are at-home flu tests, too.

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The flu (influenza) is a respiratory infection caused by a virus. It usually happens during the winter months but can also happen in fall or early spring. It spreads from person to person from coughing, sneezing and/or touching surfaces that have the virus on them. You can decrease the chances you’ll get seriously ill from the flu by getting the flu vaccine.

If you have flu-like symptoms or are concerned about possibly having the flu, call your healthcare provider. They may want you to take a flu test if you’re at risk of flu complications. These factors may put you at a higher risk:

• Having a weakened immune system
• Having a chronic illness like diabetes
• Being pregnant
• Being over the age of 65 or under the age of 5
• Being in the hospital for another condition

What are the different types?

There are two main types of flu tests:

• Rapid antigen detection. These tests work by detecting a certain flu virus protein (or antigen) in fluid from your nose. You can get the results of a rapid antigen test in under 30 minutes. This test is also called rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs).
• Molecular assays. Molecular flu tests detect the genetic material of the flu virus from fluid in your nose. These tests are more accurate than the rapid antigen test. A PCR test (polymerase chain reaction test) is a common type of molecular test. Molecular tests can be rapid (results in less than 30 minutes) or sent to a lab (results may take several days).

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