Can the test be used to diagnose the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus?
Physicians would use the Influenza A H1N1 (2009) Real Time RT-PCR test in patients with signs and symptoms of respiratory infection, and make a diagnosis only in conjunction with assessing the patients clinical and epidemiological risk factors. We do not know for sure if this test can identify all people who may get sick with 2009 H1N1 flu. Therefore, negative results do not preclude influenza virus infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or other patient management decisions. The test is intended to act as an aid for clinicians to use in identifying patients infected with the pandemic virus, in consideration of symptoms, medical background and other factors.
