Influenza laboratory findings: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
==Laboratory Findings== | ==Laboratory Findings== | ||
The evaluation of an individual with [[flu]] symptoms should include a thorough [[physical exam]] and, in cases where [[pneumonia]] is suspected, a [[chest x-ray]]. | |||
Additional [[blood]] work may be needed. They may include a [[complete blood count]], [[blood cultures]], and [[sputum cultures]]. | |||
The most common method for diagnosing the [[flu]] is an [[antigen detection test]], which is done by [[swabbing]] the [[nose]] and [[throat]], then sending a sample to the laboratory for testing. | |||
The results of these tests can be available rapidly, and can help decide if specific [[treatment]] is appropriate. However, when [[flu]] is widespread in the community the [[diagnosis]] can often be made by simply identifying symptoms without further testing. | |||
The available laboratory tests for influenza continue to improve. The United States [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC) maintains an up-to-date summary of available laboratory tests.<ref>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/labdiagnosis.htm Lab Diagnosis of Influenza.] Accessed on January 1, 2007</ref> According to the CDC, rapid diagnostic tests have a [[sensitivity]] of 70–75% and [[specificity]] of 90–95% when compared with viral culture. These tests may be especially useful during the influenza season ([[prevalence]]=25%) but in the absence of a local outbreak, or peri-influenza season (prevalence=10%). | The available laboratory tests for influenza continue to improve. The United States [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC) maintains an up-to-date summary of available laboratory tests.<ref>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/labdiagnosis.htm Lab Diagnosis of Influenza.] Accessed on January 1, 2007</ref> According to the CDC, rapid diagnostic tests have a [[sensitivity]] of 70–75% and [[specificity]] of 90–95% when compared with viral culture. These tests may be especially useful during the influenza season ([[prevalence]]=25%) but in the absence of a local outbreak, or peri-influenza season (prevalence=10%). | ||
Revision as of 20:15, 26 September 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Laboratory Findings
The evaluation of an individual with flu symptoms should include a thorough physical exam and, in cases where pneumonia is suspected, a chest x-ray.
Additional blood work may be needed. They may include a complete blood count, blood cultures, and sputum cultures.
The most common method for diagnosing the flu is an antigen detection test, which is done by swabbing the nose and throat, then sending a sample to the laboratory for testing.
The results of these tests can be available rapidly, and can help decide if specific treatment is appropriate. However, when flu is widespread in the community the diagnosis can often be made by simply identifying symptoms without further testing.
The available laboratory tests for influenza continue to improve. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains an up-to-date summary of available laboratory tests.[1] According to the CDC, rapid diagnostic tests have a sensitivity of 70–75% and specificity of 90–95% when compared with viral culture. These tests may be especially useful during the influenza season (prevalence=25%) but in the absence of a local outbreak, or peri-influenza season (prevalence=10%).
References
- ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lab Diagnosis of Influenza. Accessed on January 1, 2007