Stay Ahead of Flu Season with Comprehensive Respiratory Testing

The 2026-2027 influenza season in California has begun significantly earlier than expected, with reported positivity rates already exceeding typical seasonal levels. In response, Foundation Laboratory has introduced the Respiratory Virus Mini Profile (7561) to help healthcare providers accurately diagnose symptomatic patients and guide appropriate treatment decisions.

Timely and precise diagnosis not only helps patients recover more quickly but also plays a critical role in reducing transmission within households and the broader community. Because influenza symptoms often closely resemble those of other respiratory viral infections, identifying the specific cause of illness is essential to ensuring patients receive the most effective care and management.

The Respiratory Virus Mini Profile (7561) consists of:

 - Influenza A and B,

 - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and

 - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).  

The Respiratory Virus Mini Profile is performed on the Hologic Panther Fusion® System using highly sensitive PCR technology to detect and differentiate SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) from a single specimen. Consistent with CDC recommendations, multiplex respiratory testing is an effective diagnostic approach for identifying pathogens that present with similar or overlapping respiratory symptoms.

Accepted specimen types include nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs collected using an Aptima Multitest Swab (orange label), Viral Transport Medium (VTM), or Universal Transport Medium (UTM). Test results will be available within 48 hours of specimen receipt.