How effective are the rapid flu tests in detecting flu viruses?

Rapid tests vary in their ability to detect flu viruses. Depending on the test used, the ability to detect last year's H1N1 flu can ranged from 10% to 70%. This means that some people with a 2009 H1N1 flu infection had a negative rapid test result. (This situation is called a false negative test result.)

Rapid tests appear to be better at detecting flu in children than adults. None of the rapid tests currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are able to distinguish 2009 H1N1 flu from other flu viruses. 

Last Reviewed: 08/13/2010

• What actions should health care providers take when waiting for influenza test results?
• What kind of flu tests are there?

• Seasonal Flu
• Testing and Diagnosis of Flu