Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test (Influenza/ Flu Panel)

What Does the Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test Measure?

This test identifies viral genetic material (RNA) from nasal or throat swab samples using RT-PCR technology. It measures:

• Presence of Influenza A and B viruses
• Subtypes of Influenza A: H1N1 (Swine Flu) and H3N2
• RSV, a common respiratory virus causing severe illness in infants and older adults

The test can detect infections even at low viral loads, including early in the illness course.

Why is the Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test Done?

Doctors may recommend this test if you experience:

• Sudden high fever, body ache, or chills
• Cough, sore throat, or nasal congestion
• Shortness of breath or chest discomfort
• Fatigue or weakness during flu season
• Worsening respiratory symptoms despite antibiotic treatment
• Hospital admissions due to respiratory infections

It is also advised for:

• Children, elderly, and immunocompromised patients
• Healthcare workers and caregivers during outbreaks
• Pre-hospitalization screening in high-risk cases

Purpose of the Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test

• Detects Influenza A, B, and RSV rapidly and accurately
• Helps differentiate between bacterial and viral infections
• Aids in deciding antiviral therapy and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics
• Supports outbreak surveillance and infection control
• Monitors treatment response in hospitalized or immunocompromised patients

Why is the Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test Important?

• Provides same-day results for timely treatment decisions
• Detects co-infections that may complicate clinical outcomes
• Reduces hospital transmission by isolating infected patients early
• Helps prevent misuse of antibiotics and supports antimicrobial stewardship

Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare

How to Book a Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test and Get Reports

1. Book Online: Visit the Metropolis Healthcare website or app, search for “Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test,” and select a suitable slot.
2. Sample Collection: A trained healthcare professional collects nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs using a sterile VTM tube.
3. Accurate Testing: The sample is tested using Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) to detect viral RNA with high precision.
4. Reports: Results are available on the same day (3:00 PM or 11:00 PM) and can be accessed via email, WhatsApp, or the Metropolis app.

How Long Does It Take to Get Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test Results?

Reports are usually delivered on the same day depending on your location.

Understanding Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test Results

A “Not Detected” result does not completely rule out infection. Results should be interpreted alongside symptoms, timing of collection, and clinical evaluation.

How to Prepare for the Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test

• No fasting required.
• Avoid nasal sprays, gargles, or inhalers for at least 1 hour before sample collection.
• Inform your doctor if you recently received a nasal flu vaccine, as it may cause false-positive results.
• Stay hydrated and relaxed during the test.

How Is the Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)

1. Preparation: The healthcare professional wears protective gear and prepares the Viral Transport Medium (VTM) tube.
2. Sample Collection:
   • A nasopharyngeal swab is gently inserted into the nostril and rotated to collect mucus.
   • An oropharyngeal swab may also be taken from the throat.
3. Transport: Both swabs are placed in the VTM tube to preserve viral RNA.
4. Processing: The sample undergoes RT-PCR analysis, where viral RNA is amplified and detected using fluorescent probes.

This molecular method provides high sensitivity and accurate identification of multiple respiratory viruses in a single test.

Conditions That Can Affect Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test Results

• Inadequate swab collection
• Sample taken too early or late in infection
• Nasal influenza vaccine (may cause false positive)
• Low viral load or degraded RNA sample

Diseases Detected by Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test

This test helps diagnose or rule out:

• Seasonal Influenza (A & B)
• Swine Flu (H1N1)
• H3N2 Infection
• RSV Infection
• Mixed Viral Respiratory Infections
• Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI)
• Viral Pneumonia and Flu-like Illnesses

Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test Price in Different Cities

The cost of a Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate price range for the Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test at Metropolis Healthcare in major Indian cities:

The Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test cost may vary depending on the city and the specific tests included in the panel. However, Metropolis Healthcare offers competitive Flu-Xpert Viral Panel Test prices across major cities in India.

References

1. Ravina et al. (2021). A Changing Trend in Diagnostic Methods of Influenza A (H3N2) Virus in Humans. 3 Biotech, 11:87.
2. James D. Allen & Ted M. Ross (2018). H3N2 Influenza Viruses in Humans: Mechanisms and Evolution. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 14(8), 1840–1847.
3. Mohsen Moghadami (2017). A Narrative Review of Influenza: A Seasonal and Pandemic Disease. Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, 42(1), 2–13.
4. Mammas et al. (2020). Update on Current Views and Advances on RSV Infection. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 46, 509–520.