VIASURE Flu A, Flu B & RSV Real Time PCR Detection Kit is designed for specific identification and differentiation of Influenza A (Flu A), Influenza B (Flu B) and/or Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in respiratory samples from patients with signs and symptoms of respiratory infection.

This test is intended for use as an aid in the diagnosis of Flu A, Flu B and/or RSV in combination with clinical and epidemiological risk factors.

RNA is extracted from specimens, amplified using RT-PCR and detected using fluorescent reporter dye probes specific for Flu A, Flu B and RSV.

Influenza viruses belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family and cause the majority of viral lower respiratory tract infections. Influenza A and B are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, considering that elderly and compromised individuals are especially at risk of developing severe illness and complications such as pneumonia. People feel some or all of these symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, nasal stuffiness and discharge, myalgia, headaches, and anorexia. The influenza viruses can be spread from person to person in two different ways: through the air (large droplets and aerosols from sneezing and coughing), and by direct or indirect contact.

Human Respiratory Syncytial Viruses (RSV) belong to the Paramyxoviridae family and are the most important viral agents of acute respiratory infections. RSV is an enveloped, nonsegmented, negative, single stranded linear RNA genome virus. Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a common contributor of respiratory infections causing bronchitis, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary infections in people of all ages. People often feel some or all of these symptoms: rhinorrhea, low-grade fever, cough, sore throat, headache, and wheezing.

RSV is transmitted via large nasopharyngeal secretion droplets from infected individuals, close contact, or self-inoculation after touching contaminated surfaces. Diagnosis can be problematic, as a wide range of pathogens can cause acute respiratory infections presenting with similar clinical syndromes.

Real-time PCR assays have been shown to be a sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for the detection of Influenza A, Influenza B and RSV viruses.