An influenza virus causes the flu, a contagious respiratory illness that occurs most frequently during the colder months of the year. Millions of Americans get the flu every year. While many of these people will go on to recover, only experiencing mild symptoms, the respiratory illness can be life-threatening to vulnerable groups. The flu can be transmitted through breathing in contaminated air from an infected person or touching a surface that has been contaminated with germs and proceeding to touch your face. Thankfully, there are influenza testing kits you can use to determine if you indeed have the flu. In this article, you can find out more about the types of influenza testing available.
Why Is Influenza Testing Necessary?
While it may not be necessary to conduct a test if your symptoms are mild and you are not at high risk of serious illness, there are other scenarios where testing is necessary. This includes:
If you are vulnerable to serious illness due to your underlying condition, age or pregnancy
If an outbreak of respiratory illness has occurred in your community, such as in your school or workplace. In this case, mass testing services can be required
To identify the specific type of flu that is causing infections
Types of Influenza Testing Kits
The most common type of flu test is known as the rapid influenza antigen test. You can get results within half an hour, although it is not as sensitive and therefore not as accurate as other types of tests. During the process, which can be self-administered or handled by a medical professional, a nasal or saliva swab will be obtained. The process can be slightly uncomfortable, but you should not be in pain. Amidst the current situation, there are two-in-one rapid antigen tests that can detect both the common flu and COVID-19.
Another type of test you can choose to get is the molecular diagnostic test. Unlike the rapid antigen test, the results of this test will need to be interpreted in a laboratory. While there is a longer waiting time, results are often more accurate. With the molecular test, genetic material from the virus is detected, in comparison to the viral antigens identified by the rapid test.
Come to Linear DX for Flu Testing Services
Since our inception, Linear DX has been providing our customers with the high-quality testing supplies and medical devices you need. We are able to combine proven scientific methods with cutting-edge technologies to help medical professionals and patients make the most well-informed decisions for their health when you come to us for testing services.
Alternatively, you may choose to purchase test kits you can administer at home. When placing an order from our Los Angeles-based shop, you can enjoy same-day local delivery within California or 2-day shipping nationwide. We source our supplies from top global brands and are able to ship to both domestic and international addresses. There’s no minimum order size required when shopping with us, but if you are looking to make a bulk purchase, please feel free to contact us to discuss wholesale pricing.
