Respiratory Panel — COVID, Flu A/B & RSV

About this test

This panel uses PCR-based molecular testing to identify the four most common respiratory viruses responsible for acute illness in adults and children — COVID-19, influenza A, influenza B, and RSV — all from a single nasal swab. Because these infections produce nearly identical symptoms (fever, cough, congestion, body aches), a positive identification changes how you manage your illness, who you need to isolate from, and whether antiviral treatment is an option.

PCR testing detects viral genetic material directly, making it significantly more sensitive than rapid antigen tests — particularly important during the early days of an illness when viral load is still building, or when symptoms persist and a rapid test has come back negative.

Components

• SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19): Detects the virus responsible for COVID-19 by identifying its RNA. A positive result confirms active infection. Early detection matters because prescription antiviral treatment is most effective when started within the first few days of symptoms.
• Influenza A: The more common and typically more severe of the two seasonal flu strains. Influenza A viruses include subtypes responsible for past pandemics. Prescription antiviral treatment can shorten illness duration when started promptly.
• Influenza B: Causes seasonal flu, usually with slightly milder symptoms than influenza A. Both strains respond to the same antiviral medications, so distinguishing between them primarily helps with epidemiological tracking and clinical context.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): A common respiratory virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms in most healthy adults but can lead to serious illness in infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions. Knowing you have RSV helps guide decisions about monitoring and close contact with vulnerable individuals.

Who is this test for?

This panel is a good fit for anyone experiencing fever, cough, sore throat, or congestion who wants to know the cause of their illness — especially when the result will influence treatment decisions, isolation planning, or care of vulnerable household members. It is also useful when a rapid antigen test has returned a negative result but symptoms suggest a respiratory infection.