Laboratory Information for Collection of Respiratory Specimens for Influenza Virus Testing | Influenza (Flu)

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05:00:00"> December 11, 2023 </time> <div data-alt-langs class="cdc-page-title-bar__item cdc-page-title-bar__item--languages"> <a class="cdc-page-title-bar__item" href="https://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/flu/hcp/info-collection/index.html">Español</a> </div> </section> <div class="cdc-page-title cdc-page-offset syndicate"> <h1>Laboratory Information for Collection of Respiratory Specimens for Influenza Virus Testing</h1> </div> <div id="content" class="cdc-page-content cdc-page-offset syndicate container"> <div class="cdc-dfe-body "> <div class="cdc-dfe-body__top "> <div class="dfe-section dfe-section--page-summary summary-list" data-section="cdc_lab_testing_procedures_page_summary"> <div class="dfe-section__header"> <h2 class="editor-block--title" id="heading-lrv6-fyoda">What to know</h2> </div> <div class="dfe-section__content"> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">This page provides guidance for clinicians on testing and treatment of influenza when SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses are co-circulating. Additional guidance is provided on when to test for influenza, how to interpret influenza testing results, what influenza laboratory tests are available, and influenza specimen collection. Guidance and resources for laboratory directors and staff are also available on this page.<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <div class="dfe-section__nav hide" id="dfe-section__nav"> <div class="dfe-section__nav__header" id="dfe-section__nav__header"> </div> <div class="dfe-section__nav-links" id="dfe-section__nav-links"> </div> </div> </div> <div id="nav-buttons"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cdc-dfe-body__center "> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_lab_testing_procedures_over"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_lab_testing_procedures_over-guidance-for-clinicians" name="Guidance%20for%20Clinicians" title="Guidance for Clinicians"></a><h2 class="editor-block--title" id="heading-ja3bp6rdfn">Guidance for Clinicians</h2> <h3 id="heading-_mtwnymgpa">Testing and treatment of influenza when SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses are co-circulating</h3> <div class="dfe-links-layout--list"><div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_96037"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/testing-guidance-for-clinicians.htm">Clinical Guidance for Hospitalized and Non-Hospitalized Patients When SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viruses are Co-Circulating</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Everything you need to know about the flu illness, including symptoms, treatment and prevention.</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Dec. 5, 2023</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_96083"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/testing-guidance-for-clinicians-hospitalized.htm">Clinical Guidance for Patients with Acute Respiratory Illness Being Hospitalized When SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viruses are Co-Circulating</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Everything you need to know about the flu illness, including symptoms, treatment and prevention.</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Dec. 5, 2023</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_96053"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/testing-guidance-for-outpatient.htm">Clinical Guidance for Patients with Acute Respiratory Illness Not Being Hospitalized When SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viruses are Co-Circulating</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Determining whether a patient with acute respiratory illness symptoms does not require hospital admi...</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Dec. 5, 2023</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_97249"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/testing-management-considerations-nursinghomes.htm">Testing and Management Considerations for Nursing Home Residents with Acute Respiratory Illness Symptoms when SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viruses are Co-circulating</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Guidelines for when SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza viruses are found to be co-circulating based upon local...</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Sept. 23, 2024</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div></div><h3 id="heading-zbi8ljv-4c">When to Test for Influenza</h3> <div class="dfe-links-layout--list"><div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_12089"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/consider-influenza-testing.htm">Guide for considering influenza testing when influenza viruses are circulating in the community</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Guide for considering influenza testing when influenza viruses are circulating in the community</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Nov. 23, 2023</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_12085"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/guide-virus-diagnostic-tests.htm">Influenza virus testing in investigational outbreaks in institutional or other closed settings</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Everything you need to know about the flu illness, including symptoms, treatment and prevention.</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Mar. 3, 2019</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div></div><h3 id="heading-wq7dvp8f4c">How to Interpret Influenza Testing Results</h3> <div class="dfe-links-layout--list"><div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_12077"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/algorithm-results-circulating.htm">Algorithm to assist in the interpretation of influenza testing results and clinical decision-making during periods when influenza viruses are circulating in the community</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Algorithm to assist in the interpretation of influenza testing results and clinical decision-making...</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Aug. 30, 2020</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_12083"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/algorithm-results-not-circulating.htm">Algorithm to assist in the interpretation of influenza testing results and clinical decision-making during periods when influenza viruses are NOT circulating in the community</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Algorithm to assist in the interpretation of influenza testing results and clinical decision-making...</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Aug. 30, 2020</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div></div><h3 id="heading-v6n6cxmlkq">What Influenza Virus Tests Are Available</h3> <div class="dfe-links-layout--list"><div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_42551"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/overview-testing-methods.htm">Overview of Influenza Testing Methods</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">This page provides an overview for clinicians on influenza virus testing for outpatients with suspec...</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Aug. 30, 2020</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_12095"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/table-testing-methods.htm">Influenza Virus Testing Methods</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Everything you need to know about the flu illness, including symptoms, treatment and prevention.</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Aug. 9, 2020</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_42463"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/table-ridt.html">Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs)</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Everything you need to know about the flu illness, including symptoms, treatment and prevention.</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Aug. 26, 2020</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_43757"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/table-nucleic-acid-detection.html">Table 3. Nucleic Acid Detection Based Tests</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Everything you need to know about the flu illness, including symptoms, treatment and prevention.</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Sept. 11, 2024</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_89999"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/table-flu-covid19-detection.html">Table 4. Multiplex Assays Authorized for Simultaneous Detection of Influenza Viruses and SARS-CoV-2 by FDA</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Table 4. Multiplex Assays Authorized for Simultaneous Detection of Influenza Viruses and SARS-CoV-2...</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Dec. 9, 2020</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_12075"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/molecular-assays.htm">Information on Rapid Molecular Assays, RT-PCR, and other Molecular Assays for Diagnosis of Influenza Virus Infection</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Guidance for Clinicians on the Use of RT-PCR and Other Molecular Assays for Diagnosis of Influenza V...</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Sept. 23, 2024</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_12087"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/rapidclin.htm">Information for Clinicians on Rapid Diagnostic Testing for Influenza</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Rapid diagnostic tests for influenza can help in the diagnosis and management of patients who presen...</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Aug. 30, 2020</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div></div><h3 id="heading-aus1pwzvo2">Information for Laboratory Directors and Staff</h3> <div class="dfe-links-layout--list"><div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link tp-link-policy" href="https://www.internationalreagentresource.org" rel="noreferrer" data-domain-ext="org">International Reagent Resource (IRR): The IRR website provides registered users with reagents, tools and information on influenza and influenza virus detection<span class="visually-hidden sr-only" aria-label=" external icon" role="img"></span><span class="cdc-icon-external cdc-link-icon" aria-hidden="true" alt="external icon"></span></a></div> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_12091"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/rtpcr-test-kits.htm">Guidance for Standards-Based Electronic Laboratory Reporting for Influenza</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Find and reference diagnostic test information for RT-PCR test kits - CDC</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">July 24, 2014</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div></div><h3 id="heading-fsrwxfbt5q">Specimen Collection</h3> <div class="dfe-links-layout--list"><div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_42573"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/diagnosis/info-collection.htm">Information on Collection of Respiratory Specimens for Influenza Virus Testing</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">This page provides information for clinicians on collection of respiratory specimens for influenza v...</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Feb. 19, 2018</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="1937_1543"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a aria-label="View" target="_blank" class="cdc-block-link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu-resources/media/pdfs/2024/08/flu-specimen-collection-guide.pdf">Influenza Specimen Collection Reference Guide<span aria-label=" pdf icon" role="img" class="sr-only"></span><span class="cdc-link-icon cdc-link-icon--pdf" aria-hidden="true"></span></a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">This document is a reference guide for healthcare workers to use when collecting influenza specimens.</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Apr. 5, 2017</time> <div class="featured download"><div class="download-container"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu-resources/media/pdfs/2024/08/flu-specimen-collection-guide.pdf" aria-label="Download" download="flu-specimen-collection-guide.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="cdc-fa-arrow-down-to-line"> </span><span class="down_label">Download</span><span aria-label=" pdf icon" role="img" class="sr-only"></span><span class="cdc-link-icon cdc-link-icon--pdf" aria-hidden="true"></span></a></div></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"><div class="download-container"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu-resources/media/pdfs/2024/08/flu-specimen-collection-guide.pdf" aria-label="Download" download="flu-specimen-collection-guide.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="cdc-fa-arrow-down-to-line"> </span><span class="down_label">Download</span><span aria-label=" pdf icon" role="img" class="sr-only"></span><span class="cdc-link-icon cdc-link-icon--pdf" aria-hidden="true"></span></a></div></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_137967"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a aria-label="View" target="_blank" class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/media/pdfs/2024/09/flu-specimen-collection-poster.pdf">Influenza Specimen Collection<span aria-label=" pdf icon" role="img" class="sr-only"></span><span class="cdc-link-icon cdc-link-icon--pdf" aria-hidden="true"></span></a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">flu-specimen-collection-poster</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Sept. 25, 2024</time> <div class="featured download"><div class="download-container"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/media/pdfs/2024/09/flu-specimen-collection-poster.pdf" aria-label="Download" download="flu-specimen-collection-poster.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="cdc-fa-arrow-down-to-line"> </span><span class="down_label">Download</span><span aria-label=" pdf icon" role="img" class="sr-only"></span><span class="cdc-link-icon cdc-link-icon--pdf" aria-hidden="true"></span></a></div></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"><div class="download-container"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/media/pdfs/2024/09/flu-specimen-collection-poster.pdf" aria-label="Download" download="flu-specimen-collection-poster.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="cdc-fa-arrow-down-to-line"> </span><span class="down_label">Download</span><span aria-label=" pdf icon" role="img" class="sr-only"></span><span class="cdc-link-icon cdc-link-icon--pdf" aria-hidden="true"></span></a></div></div></div></div> </div> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_lab_testing_procedures_resources"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_lab_testing_procedures_resources-resources" name="Resources" title="Resources"></a><h2 class="editor-block--title" id="heading-6ptzucaqj7">Resources</h2> <h3 id="heading-b6foooofx4">Additional Information</h3> <div class="dfe-links-layout--list"><div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="433_11817"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/flu/professionals/antivirals/office-evaluation.htm">Algorithm to Assist in Medical Office Telephone Evaluation of Patients with Possible Influenza</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">This tool may help medical office staff triage calls from patients with flu-like symptoms and identi...</div> <time class="dfe-curated-link__date">Dec. 7, 2023</time> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a aria-label="View" target="_blank" class="cdc-block-link tp-link-policy" href="https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Transporting_Infectious_Substances_brochure.pdf" rel="noreferrer" data-domain-ext="gov">Department of Transportation (DOT): Transporting Infectious Substances Safely<span aria-label=" pdf icon" role="img" class="sr-only"></span><span class="cdc-link-icon cdc-link-icon--pdf" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="visually-hidden sr-only" aria-label=" external icon" role="img"></span><span class="cdc-icon-external cdc-link-icon" aria-hidden="true" alt="external icon"></span></a></div> <div class="featured download"><div class="download-container"><a class="cdc-block-link tp-link-policy" href="https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Transporting_Infectious_Substances_brochure.pdf" aria-label="Download" download="Transporting_Infectious_Substances_brochure.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" data-domain-ext="gov"><span class="cdc-fa-arrow-down-to-line"> </span><span class="down_label">Download</span><span aria-label=" pdf icon" role="img" class="sr-only"></span><span class="cdc-link-icon cdc-link-icon--pdf" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="visually-hidden sr-only" aria-label=" external icon" role="img"></span><span class="cdc-icon-external cdc-link-icon" aria-hidden="true" alt="external icon"></span></a></div></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"><div class="download-container"><a class="cdc-block-link tp-link-policy" href="https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Transporting_Infectious_Substances_brochure.pdf" aria-label="Download" download="Transporting_Infectious_Substances_brochure.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" data-domain-ext="gov"><span class="cdc-fa-arrow-down-to-line"> </span><span class="down_label">Download</span><span aria-label=" pdf icon" role="img" class="sr-only"></span><span class="cdc-link-icon cdc-link-icon--pdf" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="visually-hidden sr-only" aria-label=" external icon" role="img"></span><span class="cdc-icon-external cdc-link-icon" aria-hidden="true" alt="external icon"></span></a></div></div></div></div><h3 id="heading-yf-exdzwrs">Related Links</h3> <div class="dfe-links-layout--list"><div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link tp-link-policy" href="https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/special-populations/influenza/" rel="noreferrer" data-domain-ext="gov">National Institutes of Health (NIH) COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines: Influenza and COVID-19<span class="visually-hidden sr-only" aria-label=" external icon" role="img"></span><span class="cdc-icon-external cdc-link-icon" aria-hidden="true" alt="external icon"></span></a></div> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link tp-link-policy" href="http://annals.org/aim/fullarticle/2652566/diagnostic-accuracy-novel-traditional-rapid-tests-influenza-infection-compared-reverse" rel="noreferrer" data-domain-ext="org">Diagnostic Accuracy of Novel and Traditional Rapid Tests for Influenza Infection Compared With Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis<span class="visually-hidden sr-only" aria-label=" external icon" role="img"></span><span class="cdc-icon-external cdc-link-icon" aria-hidden="true" alt="external icon"></span></a></div> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link tp-link-policy" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/01/12/2017-00199/microbiology-devices-reclassification-of-influenza-virus-antigen-detection-test-systems-intended-for" rel="noreferrer" data-domain-ext="gov">Microbiology Devices; Reclassification of Influenza Virus Antigen Detection Test Systems Intended for Use Directly With Clinical Specimens<span class="visually-hidden sr-only" aria-label=" external icon" role="img"></span><span class="cdc-icon-external cdc-link-icon" aria-hidden="true" alt="external icon"></span></a></div> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link tp-link-policy" href="https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/AITC202111160" rel="noreferrer" data-domain-ext="org">Influenza | Annals of Internal Medicine<span class="visually-hidden sr-only" aria-label=" external icon" role="img"></span><span class="cdc-icon-external cdc-link-icon" aria-hidden="true" alt="external icon"></span></a></div> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link tp-link-policy" href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)00982-5/fulltext" rel="noreferrer" data-domain-ext="com">Influenza – The Lancet<span class="visually-hidden sr-only" aria-label=" external icon" 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