H1N1 Swine Flu
Also known as H1N1 Swine Flu Pcr BloodWhat is this test?
This test is used to check whether a person is infected with an influenza virus or not. This test is recommended by the doctor as a usual screening test for flu infections during the flu season or to check for infections in hospitalised patients or individuals with decreased immunity who have an increased risk of developing an influenza infection.
What is H1N1 influenza?
H1N1 Influenza is a type of disease affecting the respiratory system. It is commonly called Swine Flu. The infection occurs when a person comes in contact with infected swine (pigs) or due to the consumption of infected pork and then disease spreads from person to person via respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes.
H1N1 swine flu is an acute respiratory disease. The virus affects the upper respiratory tract leading to the swelling and obstruction of respiratory passages like trachea, nasal cavities and may infect the lower respiratory tracts as well. The usual incubation period ranges from 1 to 4 days and the infected person remains contagious for 5-10 days. The contagious period is usually longer for individuals with a weak immune system.
What is PCR?
Polymerase chain reaction or PCR, in short, is a sensitive diagnostic test used to detect and differentiate the cellular components like DNA, RNA, antigens, antibodies etc. This testing procedure uses certain techniques to detect and differentiate certain proteins in a given sample. This test is often used for diagnosing and confirming certain viral, bacterial, genetic diseases or disorders.
Why this test is recommended?
This test is done as a usual screening test in areas prone to swine flu; to check for influenza infections in hospitalized patients or patients with decreased immunity(due to aids or other illnesses), people suffering from chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, etc.
This test is recommended by the doctor if a person experiences certain signs and symptoms such as severe cough or cold, difficulty breathing, generalized weakness, fever, a feeling of stiffness in the chest, etc.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your H1N1 Swine Flu. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for H1N1 Swine Flu.
No specific test preparations are necessary for this test.
Understanding your test results
Positive test results indicate an active H1N1 viral infection and the individual is suffering from H1N1 influenza.
Negative test results indicate the absence of H1N1 infection and the individual does not have H1N1 Influenza or may be suffering some other respiratory diseases.
Base on your test results your doctor will advise appropriate medical treatments or further diagnostic tests if necessary.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| MALE | All age groups | The Swine Flu Antigen is detected in positive cases |
| FEMALE | All age groups | The Swine Flu Antigen is detected in positive cases |