Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test

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KEY POINTS
• A rapid influenza diagnostic test looks for infection caused by the flu
virus.
• Usually, a positive flu test result means that your child has the flu. A
negative (normal) result may mean that your child does not have the
flu. But even if the test is negative, if your child has flu symptoms
and you live in an area where many people have the flu, your child’s
healthcare provider may still treat your child for flu.
• Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you have any questions
about the test or the results.
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What is a rapid influenza test?

A rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) looks for infection caused by an influenza
(flu) virus, subtypes A and B. There are different brands of the test that may show
different kinds of results.

Why is it done?
Your healthcare provider may use an RIDT to find out if a flu virus is causing your
child’s symptoms. Symptoms of the flu may include chills, sweating, fever, cough,
runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, or tiredness. Flu symptoms
usually start quickly and can last 3 to 14 days. Your child may start feeling better after
the first 2 days or so. Having these symptoms does not always mean that your child
has the flu.
RIDTs are most accurate when your child gets the test in the first day or 2 after
symptoms start. If your child’s symptoms suggest that he or she might have the flu
and the test is positive, your child’s healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral
medicine. This medicine may help your child feel better sooner than if he or she does
not have treatment.
Your child’s healthcare provider can diagnose flu, during flu season, without giving
your child a RIDT or without seeing a positive test result.

How do I prepare my child for this test?

Usually your child does not need to do anything special before this test.
Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you have any questions.
Your child’s healthcare provider will rub a cotton swab against the back of your
child’s throat or in your child’s nose. Your child’s healthcare provider may be able to
do this test in his or her office, or the test will be sent to a lab. The provider’s office

Pediatric Advisor 2020.1 © 2018 Change Healthcare LLC and/or one of its subsidiaries 1
 will have the result in about 15 minutes. It may take longer to get results back from
the lab.

What does the test result mean?

Usually, a positive flu test result means that your child has the flu. A negative
(normal) result may mean that your child does not have the flu. But even if the test is
negative, if your child has flu symptoms and you live in an area where many people
have the flu, your child’s healthcare provider may still treat your child for flu. Your
child’s healthcare provider can explain what the test results mean with your child’s
symptoms.

What if my child’s test result is not normal?

Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into account your child’s
medical history, physical exam, and current health. Sometimes a test needs to be
repeated to check the first result. Talk to your healthcare provider about your child’s
result and ask questions such as:
• If your child needs more tests
• What kind of treatment your child might need
• What other changes you might need to make
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to
inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

Developed by Change Healthcare.

Published by Change Healthcare.

Produced in Cork, Ireland.

Pediatric Advisor 2020.1 © 2018 Change Healthcare LLC and/or one of its subsidiaries 2