Influenza
Influenza ( 16 Questions)
Viral culture is a laboratory test used to grow and identify viruses, including influenza. While it is sensitive and specific, it is not suitable for rapid diagnosis as it may take several days to produce results.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a highly sensitive and specific test that can detect the genetic material of the influenza virus. It is suitable for confirmation of the diagnosis, but it may take a few hours to produce results, so it is not as rapid as the correct answer.
Serology involves testing for antibodies produced by the body in response to the influenza virus. While it can confirm past infection, it is not suitable for rapid diagnosis of acute influenza because it may take days to weeks for antibodies to develop.
The rapid antigen test is a quick diagnostic test that detects specific proteins (antigens) on the surface of the influenza virus. It can provide results within 15-30 minutes, making it useful for rapid screening. However, it is less sensitive than PCR and may produce false-negative results in some cases. Despite this limitation, it is valuable in certain settings where immediate diagnosis is crucial for patient management and infection control.
Rapid antigen test.
Choice A rationale:
Viral culture is a laboratory test used to grow and identify viruses, including influenza. While it is sensitive and specific, it is not suitable for rapid diagnosis as it may take several days to produce results.
Choice B rationale:
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a highly sensitive and specific test that can detect the genetic material of the influenza virus. It is suitable for confirmation of the diagnosis, but it may take a few hours to produce results, so it is not as rapid as the correct answer.
Choice C rationale:
Serology involves testing for antibodies produced by the body in response to the influenza virus. While it can confirm past infection, it is not suitable for rapid diagnosis of acute influenza because it may take days to weeks for antibodies to develop.
Choice D rationale:
The rapid antigen test is a quick diagnostic test that detects specific proteins (antigens) on the surface of the influenza virus. It can provide results within 15-30 minutes, making it useful for rapid screening. However, it is less sensitive than PCR and may produce false-negative results in some cases. Despite this limitation, it is valuable in certain settings where immediate diagnosis is crucial for patient management and infection control.