What to know
- Multiplex testing for influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV can identify these virus infections and inform decisions about antiviral treatment of influenza and COVID-19, other clinical management decisions, and preventive measures.
Background
Influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses usually co-circulate during the fall and winter months among people in most of the United States. These respiratory viruses can cause acute respiratory illnesses with similar signs and symptoms.
About multiplex tests
Tests available for detection of respiratory viruses in respiratory specimens include single-plex tests that only detect one virus, and multiplex tests that can detect and distinguish among multiple viruses. Both antigen and molecular tests, such as nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), are available. Molecular tests have higher sensitivity than antigen tests for detecting respiratory viruses in respiratory specimens. The lower sensitivity of antigen tests means some infections can be missed and negative results should be interpreted with caution.
Multiplex test availability and usage
Molecular multiplex tests are available in some healthcare settings and are recommended for symptomatic outpatients and hospitalized patients with acute respiratory illness such as suspected influenza and/or COVID-19. Use of multiplex molecular tests in patients with a suspected respiratory viral infection can help clinicians to distinguish between influenza virus infection and infections from other respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and RSV. These tests can also help guide antiviral treatment of influenza or COVID-19.
Home use multiplex tests
Some multiplex antigen tests that detect influenza A and B viruses, and SARS-CoV-2, or that also detect RSV are available over the counter and can be used at home.
FDA links for more information
Information on available influenza assays, including multiplex assays for detection of influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV that are FDA-cleared or authorized is available from the FDA. The FDA also provides information on available at-home SARS-CoV-2 tests, including at-home multiplex assays for detection of influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2, or influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV.