Private hospitals and labs are now providing flu testing packages to prevent repeat exams as viral infection rates rise

Private hospitals and labs are providing complete packages to avoid the need for recurrent testing in the midst of a spike in COVID-19 cases, influenza cases, and other respiratory diseases in the national capital.

Symptoms including a cough, runny nose, and fever are often shared by a number of viruses, including influenza, coronaviruses, and respiratory syncytial viruses, and frequently the condition cannot be diagnosed by a single test.

The influenza A subtype H3N2 virus, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is to blame for the increase in influenza cases. During the previous several months, hospitals all around the nation have reported a sizable number of influenza cases.

In India, there are typically two seasonal influenza peaks: the post-monsoon season and the period from January to March. According to Arjun Dang, CEO and Partner of Dr. Dangs Lab, "We have launched a multiplex PCR-based comprehensive flu panel that comprises 17 pathogens, including all common viruses such as Covid, influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, metapneumovirus, adenovirus, enterovirus, rhinovirus, RSV, and others."

The pathology lab also provides a thorough respiratory panel that tests for 22 pathogens, including widespread bacteria and all widely distributed viral types responsible for the current flu epidemic.

The benefit, according to him, is that these tests provide answers in only a few hours, are very sensitive, and are unaffected by whatever antibiotics the patient may have taken before the test since they find the pathogen's nucleic acid.

Based on the findings, reasonable use of antibiotics and antivirals may be made in addition to rapid clinical judgements. "These panels significantly affect patients since they often provide a diagnosis, obviating the need for further testing. A nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab is the sample type necessary for these tests, which is identical to the sample type required for COVID-19 testing "explained Dang.

Ashes of Childhood A variety of diagnostic exams for conditions similar to the flu are also available at Genestrings Diagnostic Center and IVF Clinics.

Seeds of Innocence IVF Clinics and Genestrings Diagnostic Center COO Chetan Kohli said, "From three to four weeks ago, we have been providing a variety of testing. We are receiving requests from hospitals for these costly tests, which cost Rs 5,000 each panel. Every day, we test about 30 samples."

Metropolis Healthcare's President and Head of Science and Innovation, Dr. Nilesh Shah, stated: "Our Covi-Influenza Viral Panel costs Rs 5500 and costs INR 4500 for tests for influenza A, influenza B, H1N1, H3N2, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19). Patients choose the tests based on a doctor's advice."