Flu A & B Differential Test

BD Directigen Flu A+B is a rapid in vitro assay for the direct and qualitative detection of influenza A and B viral antigens. A feature of this assay is the ability of Directigen Flu A+B to distinguish influenza A viral antigens from those of influenza B. During the testing procedure respiratory specimens are applied to two wells of ColorPAC test device, producing results in less than fifteen minutes.

The Directigen Flu A+B assay is an advance in therapeutic decision-making for multiple reasons. First, some antiviral therapies are effective only for influenza A, while others may be used to treat both influenza A and B. Therefore, an assay which can distinguish between the two viruses can help clarify which treatment will be effective. Second, antiviral agents, to be effective, must be given within the first 48 hours of illness, a circumstance suited to a rapid test that provides results in fifteen minutes.

The Directigen Flu A+B test is an enzyme immunoassay membrane test for the detection of influenza A or B antigens from specimens of symptomatic patients. A variety of specimens is suitable for testing, including nasopharyngeal wash, nasopharyngeal aspirate, nasopharyngeal swab, lower nasal swab, throat swab and bronchoalveolar lavage.

Positive and negative test results are based on the presence or absence of influenza A and B antigen in the specimen. Results are determined by visual colour development in the ColorPAC wells of the test device. Development of a purple triangle on the membrane in either the A well or the B well of the test device indicates a positive test for either influenza A or influenza B.

The BD Directigen Flu A+B test kit includes 20 ColorPAC devices, all the necessary reagents, positive and negative controls, and tubes and tips for specimen extraction and sample delivery into the devices.