Healthy Kidz Pediatrics

Rapid Laboratory Screening Tests

Rapid Laboratory Screening Tests

Influenza is an ailment of the respiratory system. The infection spreads quickly through dew drops present in the air. Influenza causes cough and sneezing among the affected people and occurs mainly during the winter and fall season. The symptoms of influenza flare up suddenly and may last for a few days. While in children with a weakened immunity, the flu can cause very serious illness, and can also be fatal. At Healthy Kidz Pediatrics in Mesa, Arizona, we diagnose the flu by performing rapid influenza antigen tests and begin the treatment based on the results.

What Are Rapid Laboratory Screening Tests?

Rapid laboratory screening tests can help identify the presence of influenza A and B viral antigens in the respiratory tract. This flu test will help confirm your child’s influenza diagnosis so that the illness can be treated promptly. Quick treatment may help ease the symptoms of the flu. Rapid influenza antigen tests can provide results in about thirty minutes.

What Are the Uses of Rapid Influenza Antigen Tests?

Rapid influenza antigen tests can help determine if your child has the flu. They are also sometimes used to:

  • Recognize the type of flu virus that is causing infections. There are three main types of flu viruses: Influenza A, B, and C. The A and B influenza viruses cause most seasonal flu epidemics.
  • Identify whether the flu has been caused due to an outbreak of respiratory illness in a community such as schools or neighborhood.

When Is a Rapid Flu Test Needed?

A flu test may be needed when your child is suffering from the following symptoms:

  • Fever & chills
  • Muscle aches & weakness
  • Pain around the eyes or blurred vision
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Running or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat & cough

How Is a Rapid Flu Test Done?

Dr. Manuel Galvez will take a sample of mucus or other secretions from your child’s nose or throat during a rapid flu test. Sterile gauze is used to collect the sample. In another method, a nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) is used to collect the sample by injecting a saline solution into the nose.

To learn more about our rapid laboratory screening tests, visit Healthy Kidz Pediatrics clinic at 215 S Power Rd #106, Mesa, AZ 85206. You can also reach us at (480) 214-0051 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Manuel Galvez.

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Mesa, AZ

215 S Power Rd #106, Mesa, AZ 85206

Email: info@healthykidzpeds.com

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Office Hours

  • Monday8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SaturdayClosed
  • SundayClosed
480.214.0051