What It Is

The IC Labs RT-PCR 4-in-1 COVID-19 + Flu A & B + RSV Test, also known as a COVID Flu RSV Combo test, is a real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test that uses a sample taken from a nasal swab to detect the ribonucleic acid (RNA) from SARS-CoV-2, commonly known as the coronavirus, influenza A, influenza B or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

It is also known as a molecular test, nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), RT-PCR test and a LAMP test.

If this rapid diagnostic test is positive for COVID-19, it means that it has detected the virus’ genetic material and the person is CURRENTLY infected the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If it is positive for influenza A, it means that the person is CURRENTLY infected with influenza A. If it is positive for influenza B, it means that the person is CURRENTLY infected with influenza B. If it is positive for RSV, it means that the person is CURRENTLY infected with RSV. Once any of these infections is gone, the RNA disappears, and that test will be negative. It is possible for more than one of these tests to be positive.

A positive test is considered very accurate, but it’s possible to be infected with any of these viruses and have a negative RNA result. Testing less than five to six days after exposure to the corona virus is likely to produce a negative RNA result. No Covid-19 test is 100% accurate, so it’s important to follow Covid-19 guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, such as social distancing.

This test is suitable for humans of any age, including infants.

We utilize the Cepheid Xpert Xpress COVID-19 Flu/RSV Assay. This test uses multiplex reverse transcription technology and has been authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use by authorized laboratories.