Combined Respiratory Panel – Antigen Testing
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that is transmitted from person to person. Symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness. One can be infected from respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Other ways that one can be infected is by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. Similarly, Influenza (commonly known only as “the Flu”) is a completely different respiratory illness which can be transmitted in the same way, and can sometimes cause similar symptoms.
Respiratory illnesses like Flu, RSV and even the common cold tend to increase seasonally; usually in the Fall and Winter months. With the COVID-19 virus currently still present, it can be difficult to know what the cause of respiratory illness symptoms might be. While many of these illnesses can have similar or comparable symptoms, they are all caused by completely different viruses.
Viruses shed proteins and other substances, also known as an antigen, which can be used to identify the different/unique virus. Antigen tests use specialized techniques to identify these substances, and pinpoint or identify which particular virus they came from. Combination tests have been created to help facilitate testing, and reduce the number of samples needed, as well as the time of testing. COVID-19 and Influenza testing has become very common, with some tests including different types of Influenza viruses (Flu A, Flu B, or both) in the same test.
Results from this test can be made available in 15-20 minutes, and can help identify if symptoms are due to the COVID-19 virus, Influenza virus, or neither. Interpretation of these tests can help your healthcare provider better identify potential causes for respiratory illnesses. Please contact your closest Any Lab Test Now location to verify which combination of tests are included and available.
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