What is a Viral Respiratory Screen?

A Viral Respiratory Screen is a molecular diagnostic test designed to detect the genetic material (RNA or DNA) of common respiratory viruses. It uses PCR technology, which is considered the gold standard for identifying active viral infections.

This test is particularly useful when respiratory symptoms are non-specific, prolonged, or severe. Many respiratory viruses cause similar symptoms, and this panel allows precise identification of the responsible virus rather than relying on symptoms alone.

The screen is suitable for adults and children and is commonly used in both acute illness and persistent or recurrent respiratory symptoms.

What does the Viral Respiratory Screen test for?

This panel includes 13 individual viral biomarkers, covering the most common causes of viral respiratory infection:

• Influenza A
• Influenza B
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV RNA)
• Rhinovirus RNA
• Coronavirus RNA (seasonal, non-COVID)
• Adenovirus DNA
• Human Metapneumovirus RNA
• Enterovirus RNA
• Parechovirus RNA
• Parainfluenza virus type 1
• Parainfluenza virus type 2
• Parainfluenza virus type 3
• Parainfluenza virus type 4

This broad coverage makes the test highly effective for differentiating flu, RSV and other viral causes of respiratory illness.

Why do I need a Viral Respiratory Screen?

A Viral Respiratory Screen is recommended when symptoms suggest a viral infection but the exact cause is unclear. Identifying the virus can guide appropriate management and avoid unnecessary treatments.

You may benefit from this test if you have:

• Cough or persistent cough
• Fever or flu-like symptoms
• Sore throat or hoarseness
• Runny or blocked nose
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Symptoms lasting longer than expected
• Recurrent respiratory infections
• Respiratory illness in children or vulnerable adults
• Need to rule out bacterial infection

Knowing the viral cause can also help with infection control, isolation decisions and reassurance.

Benefits of a Viral Respiratory Screen

• Accurate identification of the virus
  Confirms the exact cause of respiratory symptoms.
• PCR-level sensitivity
  Detects viruses even at low levels early in infection.
• Differentiates flu, RSV and other viruses
  Avoids guesswork based on symptoms alone.
• Reduces unnecessary antibiotic use
  Confirms viral rather than bacterial illness.
• Supports clinical decision-making
  Helps guide monitoring, isolation and recovery expectations.
• Suitable for adults and children
  Widely used in paediatric and adult medicine.
• Fast and reliable results
  Enables timely reassurance or follow-up.
• Broad viral coverage in one test
  Avoids multiple separate tests.

How is the Viral Respiratory Screen performed?

The test is carried out using a nasal or throat swab, depending on clinical indication.

• A sterile swab is used to collect a sample
• The sample is analysed using PCR technology
• No fasting is required
• The procedure is quick and well tolerated

Your Viral Respiratory Screen Results Explained

Negative Result

What this means:

• No viral genetic material detected from the panel

What it suggests:
Symptoms may be resolving, caused by another virus not included, or related to non-viral causes.

Positive Result

What this means:

• Genetic material from one or more viruses has been detected

What it suggests:
An active or recent viral infection consistent with your symptoms.

Results are interpreted in the context of symptoms, timing and clinical history.