Rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A+B, RSV, Adenovirus, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae - Combo test

Rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A+B, RSV, Adenovirus, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae - Combo test

The test is useful in the diagnosis of infectious diseases of the lower respiratory tract. The test is used for the qualitative detection of antigens: SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus types A and B (including swine flu A/H1N1 and avian flu A/H5N1), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus and M. pneumoniae bacteria in a nasopharyngeal swab sample from individuals with suspected respiratory tract infections. It is particularly recommended for patients at risk of severe influenza and/or COVID, with symptoms of respiratory tract infection or diarrhoea/vomiting with associated general symptoms.

Respiratory infections are one of the main causes of morbidity and one of the main reasons for medical consultations worldwide. In the winter months, we are prone to respiratory infections, which are the most common cause of fever in infants and young children. Prompt and accurate diagnosis translates into more targeted and efficient treatment, less disease transmission and often shorter disease duration.

COVID-19, influenza A+B, RSV, adenovirus and M. pneumoniae infections share many similarities, so a rapid antigen test for their detection can help determine the cause of infection and decide on a treatment strategy, including whether to introduce antibiotic therapy.

Both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses cause acute respiratory infections. In most patients, their clinical symptoms can be similar to the asymptomatic disease or the one with mild flu-like symptoms (such as fever >38°C, cough, muscle pain or weakness). However, in some cases, their symptoms may resemble more severe and life-threatening diseases. With both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus infections, there is a risk of dangerous complications (they can lead to the development of pneumonia and even respiratory failure or sepsis, which directly threaten the patient's health and life).

The rapid test allows for immediate implementation of causal treatment reducing the risk of complications and death. The most important part of influenza treatment is early detection of the disease and administering the antiviral medications within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Typical flu symptoms are:

• fever ≥ 38°C,
• muscle pain,
• headache and cough.

However, flu-like infections, which do not have the same risk of complications as influenza and require only symptomatic treatment, manifest themselves in the same way. In addition, when influenza virus infection is confirmed, as with COVID-19, it is important to isolate the patient from those at high risk of severe course of disease (e.g. young children, pregnant women, seniors or chronically ill patients).

Adenoviruses are common viruses that cause infections of the respiratory tract (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia), gastrointestinal tract and eyes (keratitis, conjunctivitis). Adenovirus infections most often affect children between 6 months and 5 years. Infections occur throughout the year, but outbreaks are most common in autumn, winter and spring. Adenoviruses are estimated to cause about 5% of upper respiratory tract infections and 10% of pneumonia in children. These viruses can be particularly dangerous for newborns and immunocompromised persons.

RS virus (respiratory syncytial virus, RSV) is highly contagious and causes respiratory infections. In older children and adults, these infections are harmless, but in newborns and infants, they can be serious. In chronically ill or immunocompromised children and premature babies, RSV infection can cause serious complications (such as apnoea) and the need for hospitalization. Infections occur throughout the year with the peak prevalence in winter. Detecting RSV antigen may reduce the frequency of antibiotic use in this infection.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including pharyngitis or pneumonia. Diagnosis of M.pneumoniae infection based on symptoms is often difficult because they are not specific. M. pneumoniae infections occur throughout the year around the world, most often in the colder months.

Your benefits

Getting a positive test result:

• enables faster diagnosis of the cause of the infection and the start of appropriate treatment;
• minimizes the use of additional, unnecessary diagnostic tests;
• helps to avoid antibiotic therapy in the case of viral infections;
• if the flu is confirmed, allows immediate implementation of appropriate antiviral therapy in exposed persons and isolation of the patient from those at high risk of severe course of disease (e.g. young children, pregnant women, seniors or chronically ill patients);
• increases doctor’s vigilance in case of a positive RSV test (some people with RSV infection, especially infants under 6 months of age and older adults, are at risk for severe infection and may require hospitalization);

A negative result of the rapid platelet count does not rule out infection. It is considered presumptive and requires careful assessment of the patient's condition.