Swine Flu on the Rise: New Tests Available

The most recent Situation Update from the Centers for Disease Control shows that the number of cases of Swine Flu (2009 H1N1 Flu) has continued to increase and as of October 17, 2009, is abovet the Epidemic Threshold of 6.6% of the population. 46 states are reporting widespread flu activity and flu related hospitalizations and deaths are increasing and higher than expected. The pediatric deaths due to flu for just the week ending October 17 was 11. 99% of circulating viruses are Swine Flu as of September 2009, however, as the season progresses different strains will begin to circulate. Why should this matter?

Typically, the seasonal flu is most dangerous for the very young (under 2 years) and the elderly. The Swine Flu has shown to be dangerous to a different population so it could be critical to know which strain you have. The groups identified as the most susceptible to the H1N1 virus include the young, from the ages of 6 months to 24 years, and pregnant women. Most rapid flu tests have been known to be unreliable indicators of flu and unable to determine which strain is present. There are other tests available through hospitals and laboratories; however, it can take several days to get results from them delaying the proper treatment for high risk groups.

A new test based upon Target Enriched Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (Tem-PCR), developed and produced by Diatherix Laboratories, offers results in as little as 6 hours. The test, a Molecular Differential Diagnosis Assay, can identify multiple pathogens at once and has the capacity to identify bacteria and virus in the same sample allowing doctors to alter the treatment plan for patients quickly and determine whether an antiviral or an antibiotic are necessary. Viral infections such as H1N1 can lead to bacterial infections which are the ultimate cause of death. Early treatment for at-risk groups can save lives.

ANY LAB TEST NOW® has added the Diatherix Laboratories panels to their list of tests at participating locations. In addition to the Respiratory Panel, available testing panels include the Hospital Acquired infection Panel, the Infectious Disease Panel, the Staph Differentiation Panel, the Viral Respiratory Panel and the HPV Typing Panel. The Tem-PCR technology is a huge advance in testing and is used in the several of these panels to identify strains of the Staph virus. This allows identification of the strain in less than 4 hours and can allow more effective and less expensive drug therapies as the right therapy can be pinpointed and administered before the virus becomes resistant.

It is important to do what you can to prevent the spread of the flu by getting vaccinated, washing your hands often, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and avoiding people who have respiratory illnesses. Sometimes, this isn’t enough though. Proper treatment could depend on early identification of any pathogens you may have.