Rapid flu test

A rapid test for the detection of influenza type A and B viruses is now available from Oxoid. The Xpect Flu A & B test not only detects influenza A and B viruses from clinical samples within 15 mins, but it also distinguishes between these two virus types.

Distinguishing between influenza types A and B helps virologists to target investigations for the H5N1 strain (a type A virus), which is responsible for the avian flu epidemic.

Xpect Flu A & B detects and distinguishes the type A influenza virus from type B in just 15 mins, and with 100% specificity, directly from nose or throat swabs. This simple lateral flow test is easy to perform and interpret, giving virologists quick and valuable information with which to target further investigations and patient care. For samples that may require transportation, a wide variety of transport media is suitable. Furthermore, samples can be refrigerated and tested within 72 h or frozen at -20°C or below and tested within six months.