Influenza A and B Antigen Immunoassay

Test code: 11177

CPT code(s): 87804 (x2)

Methodology: Optical Immunoassay

Includes: Influenza A & B

Alternative name(s): Influenza A&B EIA; Rapid Flu; Rapid Influenza

Clinical significance: Influenza is an acute viral disease that is seasonal in incidence, occurring in the colder months. The illness classically presents with sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, myalgia and a non-productive cough. Influenza A or B virus cause the majority of clinically significant disease, with influenza C virus being responsible only for mild, predominately upper respiratory tract illness. Patients who present with suspected influenza may benefit from treatment with antiviral agents. Since the therapeutic options have expanded to include options for the treatment of influenza B disease, it is important to rapidly distinguish influenza A from influenza B in order to allow physicians a choice in selective antiviral intervention. This will also allow for the appropriate preventative intervention to be taken in institutions where measures can be taken for susceptible individuals. It is therefore important to not only rapidly determine whether influenza is present, but also which type of influenza virus is present.