Only rRT-PCR test is reliable and should be used to diagnose H1N1 flu and this technology is available only in selected laboratories
Indian Medical Association (IMA) has recommended that all members of the association should get swine flu testing done only from government accredited government and private laboratories.
Releasing the guidelines for the diagnosis of swine flu, Dr A Marthanda Pillai, National President and Dr KK Aggarwal, Secretary General, IMA said that the card rapid test is not reliable and should not be used to diagnose H1N1 cases. Only rRT-PCR test is reliable and should be used to diagnose H1N1 flu and this technology is available only in selected laboratories.
The samples to be sent for the tests are throat and nasal swabs. No blood test is available for H1N1 diagnosis. The test report may take up to 24 hours to be available.
IMA recommends swine flu testing only for patients who have flu-like symptoms with breathlessness or in pregnant ladies with flu-like symptoms. These are the patients who may require hospital admission.