Several tests can find the influenza viruses in samples from the person who is sick.

• The most common tests are called “rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs).” These tests provide results in 10-15 minutes but may not be as accurate as other flu tests.
• Other flu tests called “rapid molecular assays” detect genetic material of the flu virus and provide results in 15-20 minutes and are more accurate than the rapid tests.

Other more accurate tests require analysis in special labs.

Last Updated October 2022