Laboratories Encouraged to Equip Themselves for the Winter Flu Season

Thermo Scientific offers a range of valuable diagnostic tools for the detection of respiratory disease caused by influenza virus Types A and B. Rapid diagnosis of Influenza A or B virus infections plays an important role in patient management, influencing the use of antiviral therapy and enabling effective management and control of outbreaks.

Influenza virus infections peak in the winter months¹ and remain a major health concern. The diagnostic challenge is exacerbated by the fact that symptoms of viral respiratory infections such as Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Adenovirus are often difficult to differentiate from those caused by other pathogens, such as bacteria or fungi. Since antiviral agents are being more commonly used, rapid identification of the causative agent is increasingly important to allow the correct treatment option to be determined.

The Xpect™ Flu A&B test detects and differentiates Influenza Types A and B directly from nose and throat swabs and provides a clearly visible result (see photograph) that is easily interpreted in just 20 minutes. No specialised equipment or expertise is required. The simplicity of the test makes it ideal for use in laboratories of any size or in a near patient setting, allowing medical professionals to test patients quickly in surgeries, community hospitals and care homes.

The IMAGEN™ Influenza virus A and B test is a qualitative direct immunofluorescence test for the detection and differentiation of Influenza A virus and Influenza B virus in clinical specimens or for the confirmation and differentiation of Influenza virus A and B in cell cultures.

Monoclonal antibodies, specific to either Influenza virus Types A or B virus, are conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). These are used in a one-step, direct immunofluorescence technique. Specimens are incubated with the FITC conjugated antibody reagents for 15 minutes. The stained areas are mounted and viewed microscopically using epifluorescence illumination.

If either Influenza virus Types A or B virus is present, the corresponding reagent produces a characteristic bright apple-green fluorescence within the cytoplasm and nucleus of the cells, which contrasts with the red background staining of uninfected cells.


For further information please contact Carlene Simmons or visit the Thermo Scientific website, contact details and website link are at the top of this page.

Reference:
1. Health Protection Agency