Diagnostic Testing for RSV

What to know

  • Several types of laboratory tests can confirm RSV infection.
  • Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), such as PCR tests, are highly sensitive and can be used to diagnose anyone with RSV. Antigen tests are also available.

Overview

Clinical symptoms of RSV are non-specific and can overlap with other viral respiratory infections, as well as some bacterial infections. Several types of laboratory tests are available to confirm RSV infection. These tests may be performed on upper and lower respiratory specimens.

The most commonly used types of RSV clinical laboratory tests are:

  • Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), such as real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), are highly sensitive tests for virus detection.
  • Antigen tests are generally less sensitive than NAATs but can provide quicker results.

Some tests can differentiate between RSV subtypes (A and B), but the clinical significance of these subtypes is unclear. Consult your laboratorian for information on what type of respiratory specimen is most appropriate to use.

Both rRT-PCR and antigen detection tests are effective methods for diagnosing RSV. Healthcare providers should consult experienced laboratorians for more information on the type of respiratory specimen to be collected, interpretation of results, and expected performance of the specific test to be used.