Respiratory virus screen

What is a respiratory virus screen?

A respiratory virus screen is a laboratory test that checks a swab from your nose and throat for a range of common viruses that can cause coughs, colds and chest infections. It uses a technique called PCR, which can detect even small amounts of a virus's genetic material.

Why might I need it?

Your doctor might suggest this test if you have symptoms such as:

• a cough, sore throat, or congestion
• a fever, chills, or unusual tiredness
• shortness of breath
• loss of taste or smell, headache, or muscle aches.

It can also be used if you've been in contact with someone who has a confirmed viral infection, or if you need a documented negative result for travel, work, or an event.

What are the benefits of having it?

Knowing exactly which virus is causing your symptoms means you can be given the right advice and avoid treatments that won't help, such as antibiotics, which don't work against viruses. This is especially useful for people at higher risk of complications, such as older adults, young children, or those with underlying health conditions.

A clear result can also help you and the people around you take the right precautions, such as isolating if needed, which helps reduce the spread of infection to others.

Are there different types of test?

Yes. Panels can vary between laboratories, but most test for common viruses such as:

• influenza A and B
• respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• adenovirus, rhinovirus and parainfluenza viruses
• human metapneumovirus.

Many NHS and private panels also include SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, though this isn't the case for every provider, so it's worth checking exactly what your test covers. If you're immunocompromised, having intensive care, or are a haematology, oncology or neonatal patient, you may be tested against a fuller panel as standard.

How do I prepare for the test?

There's no special preparation needed for this test. It's best carried out during the acute phase of your illness, ideally while you still have symptoms, since this gives the most reliable result.

What happens during the test?

1. A clinician uses, or you are asked to use, a swab to gently sample the back of your throat.
2. The same swab is then used to sample inside your nose.
3. The swab is placed into a transport tube and sent to a laboratory for PCR testing.

Taking a combined swab from both your throat and nose in this way gives a more reliable result than swabbing just one site.

What happens after the test?

Results are usually available within 1 to 3 days, though this can take longer during busy periods such as winter. The laboratory doesn't give results directly to patients; they're sent to your doctor or care team, who will discuss them with you and explain what they mean.

Depending on the result, you may be given advice on treatment, or on isolating yourself from others to avoid passing on an infection.

What are the risks?

This is a simple swab test with no physical risks beyond brief discomfort while your nose or throat is swabbed.

It's worth knowing that a positive result shows the virus is present, but this doesn't always mean it's definitely the cause of your symptoms, or that you're still infectious. This is because the test can stay positive for several weeks after an infection has cleared up.