How Long Does a Rapid Flu Test Take?

The rapid flu test is one of the most important diagnostic tools that are used to test for flu and identify individuals with the flu in the shortest time possible. Since the flu has, a rapid flu test can help to detect the presence of influenza A and or B and this takes just a few minutes. Here will focus on the time it takes to do a rapid flu test, the various tests that can be done, how they are conducted, and why they are useful during flu season.  

Types of Rapid Flu Tests?

Rapid flu tests are divided into two main categories: 

• Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs): These are the most popular rapid flu tests that are available in the market. They identify flu antigens (proteins) in respiratory specimens and produce results immediately and in most cases, within 15 minutes. However, they are less accurate than molecular tests and may at times give a negative result despite the presence of the virus. 
• Rapid Molecular Assays: These tests identify the genetic material of the influenza virus and not the proteins as in the case of rapid test. They are more accurate than RIDTs and give results within 15-30 minutes more cost than RIDTs though not widely practiced in clinical laboratories. 

What is the Turnaround Time of a Rapid Flu Test? 

The duration of time taken to conduct a rapid flu test depends on the kind of test that is being conducted. 

Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs) are generally rapid tests that usually result in 10 to 15 minutes. This fast possible time of use is beneficial to healthcare providers in that they can diagnose and treat patients within a short period, especially in busy healthcare facilities or when the flu season is on. 

The process of testing is rather simple on its own. In this method, a swab is used to take a sample from the patient’s nose or throat, and the sample is processed on the spot. These are then analyzed and the healthcare provider can then decide whether the patient has the flu or not and if the patient requires antiviral medication. 

What Does the High Speed of a Rapid Flu Test Tell?

The time taken by the rapid flu test is as follows due to the following reasons: 

• Early Diagnosis and Treatment: This is one of the severe conditions that is associated with flu, particularly in vulnerable groups of people such as the elderly, children, and those with compromised immune systems. Early diagnosis will help the doctor to prescribe oseltamivir or zanamivir, both of which are effective if taken in the first two days of the flu’s symptoms. 
• Preventing Spread: Flu is infectious and is known to spread quickly within a short period, especially in places that involve close contact with people such as schools, workplaces, and hospitals. A rapid test will ensure that individuals who are infected will be identified quickly and will not be in contact with other people hence reducing the spread of the virus. 
• Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotic Use: Influenza is not a bacterial infection but a viral one and for this reason, cannot be cured with antibiotics. Some of the patients could be given prescriptions for unnecessary antibiotics if not diagnosed properly. This is eliminated by using rapid flu tests since they provide a clear diagnosis to the patients and give them the right antiviral medication if needed. 

How accurate are rapid flu tests? 

While it is not very hard to get tested for flu and get a rapid flu test, they may not be as accurate. RIDTs had less sensitivity than the molecular assays though they are rapid and simple to perform. In practice, what this entails is that although RIDTs can identify the flu in many instances, there are instances that it will not identify and thus produce false-negative results. 

Statistics indicate that the RIDTs have an accuracy of 50-70% meaning that 30-50% of flu cases may go unnoticed. The specificity however is often high ranging from 90/95 % thereby minimizing the chances of obtaining a false positive result.  

On the other hand, Rapid Molecular Assays are much more sensitive with sensitivity above 90%, and are therefore more effective in diagnosing. These are comparatively more accurate cost a lot more than usual and take more time to process; however, it is good for patients who are in the high-risk category of flu complications.  

Rapid Flu Test: Step-by-Step Process:

Here’s the step-by-step process of conducting a rapid flu test;

• Sample Collection: To obtain a sample of mucus the healthcare provider inserts a swab in the nostril or at the back of the throat. The swab is then placed into a vial or testing device that has a solution that washes out the viral antigens or genetic material. 
• Testing: For the RIDTs, the sample is applied on a testing strip that has influenza antibodies present on it. If the flu virus is present then the antigens stick to the antibodies and there is a color change on the strip. The rapid molecular assays are more accurate as they involve the identification of the virus by looking for the virus’s DNA or RNA through a process known as nucleic acid amplification. 
• Results: The results are ready in between 10 to 30 minutes of the analysis. If the test is positive then the doctor will recommend the use of antiviral drugs to reduce the symptoms and the duration of the disease.

Who Should Get a Rapid Flu Test? 

It is advised that a rapid flu test be conducted on any person who presents symptoms that are characteristic of the flu, especially during the flu season. Common symptoms of the flu include:  

•  Fever or chills 
•  Cough 
•  Sore throat 
•  Runny or stuffy nose 
•  Muscle or body aches 
•  Fatigue 
•  Headaches 

Certain groups of people are at a higher risk of suffering from severe complications of the flu and should go for the test if they develop the symptoms. These groups include:  

• People with disabilities and other special health care needs such as elderly individuals (65 years and older) 
• Infants and toddlers most of the time under the age of two. 
• Pregnant women 
• People with long-term illnesses (asthma, diabetes, heart disease, etc. ) 
• Patients with compromised immunity 

Healthcare givers and carers in close contact with flu patients can also use rapid flu testing to avoid contact with the virus. 

Conclusion 

Rapid flu tests are a valuable diagnostic tool in the identification and treatment of flu at the right time. Because the results are available in as soon as 10 minutes, they are vital in the fight against the influenza virus and in ensuring that patients are given the correct treatment. Although the RIDTs give the results faster, the rapid molecular assays are more accurate, and that is why they are preferred to those at higher risk. Knowing how much time a rapid flu test takes and its part in flu treatment is significant for patients and doctors during the flu season.  

FAQS

Q1.What do RIDT and Rapid Molecular Assay differ? 

RIDTs are based on the recognition of antigens from the influenza virus and have the ability to come up with results within approximately 10-15 minutes while the rapid molecular assays identify the virus’s genetic material and are more accurate with results coming within 15-30 minutes. 

Q2. How sensitive rapid flu tests are? 

RIDTs have a sensitivity that lies between 50-70% and therefore one may test negative for the disease. Rapid molecular assays, however, have a sensitivity of over 90% and therefore are much more accurate in detecting the flu. 

Q3. Can the rapid flu tests distinguish between different types of the flu? 

Yes, rapid flu tests are specific for both influenza A and B viruses hence making it easy to diagnose the flu. There are even specific tests that can distinguish between the two strains, and thus enable the doctors, to give a better treatment.

ANTITECK provide uncut sheet rapid test for rapid test kit manufacturing, contact us for more information via [email protected]

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