What is in the Influenza Panel?

The Influenza Panel is a multiplex real-time PCR assay designed to detect and differentiate multiple influenza virus strains from clinical respiratory samples. Specifically, it targets:

• Influenza A viruses
• Pandemic H1N1 (pdm09) virus
• H3N2 subtype of Influenza A
• Influenza B viruses
• RNaseP gene (human internal control)

This panel is essential for molecular diagnostics, particularly in high-throughput labs dealing with seasonal outbreaks or potential pandemic threats. Its multiplex format allows simultaneous detection of multiple targets, reducing turnaround time and conserving sample volume.

Role of the Different Targets in Disease

Each target in the Influenza Panel contributes critical information for accurate clinical decision-making:

• Influenza A is the most pathogenic among human influenza viruses. Responsible for pandemics, it includes several subtypes like H1N1 and H3N2.
• H1N1 (pdm09) emerged in 2009 as a novel swine-origin virus and quickly led to a global pandemic. Though now considered seasonal, it remains a major cause of hospitalizations during flu season.
• H3N2 tends to cause more severe illness, particularly in older adults. Surveillance of this subtype is crucial for predicting vaccine effectiveness.
• Influenza B generally causes milder disease than type A but still contributes significantly to flu-related morbidity, especially in children and adolescents.
• Human RNaseP gene is used as an internal control to verify sample integrity and ensure that negative results are not due to poor collection or extraction failure.

This target design ensures comprehensive coverage of clinically relevant influenza strains while maintaining test reliability through built-in controls.

About the TRUPCR® Influenza Panel Kit

The TRUPCR® Influenza Panel Kit is an in vitro nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) optimized for respiratory specimens such as nasopharyngeal swabs, oropharyngeal aspirates, bronchoalveolar lavage, and viral cultures. The kit is based on CDC-licensed primers and probes, ensuring compliance with globally recognized detection protocols.

The assay includes:

• Three parallel multiplex reactions per test
• Internal RNaseP control in every reaction
• Real-time fluorescence-based detection
• “Hot-start” polymerase chemistry to reduce false positives

By offering broad sample compatibility and intuitive operation, this panel fits seamlessly into the workflows of hospital laboratories, public health institutions, and private molecular diagnostics labs.

Principle and Workflow

The Influenza Panel follows a streamlined one-step RT-PCR protocol. Here’s how it works:

1. RNA Extraction: Viral RNA is isolated from respiratory specimens using standard extraction kits.
2. Reaction Setup: A single-tube master mix is prepared for each sample, containing reagents for reverse transcription and amplification.
3. Multiplex RT-PCR: Simultaneous amplification of Influenza A, B, H1N1, H3N2, and RNaseP occurs within the same reaction.
4. Fluorescence Detection: Target-specific probes emit signals detected in real-time, enabling quantification and identification.
5. Interpretation: Amplification curves are analyzed to determine presence or absence of each viral RNA, with RNaseP serving as a control for human nucleic acid.

Thanks to its multiplex design, the panel increases throughput while maintaining sensitivity and specificity—two critical parameters for reliable diagnostics in time-sensitive flu outbreaks.

Clinical Application

The Influenza Panel supports a range of clinical and epidemiological needs:

• Early diagnosis during flu season: Rapid identification of influenza-positive cases aids in timely treatment and reduces complications.
• Pandemic surveillance: The inclusion of H1N1 (pdm09) and H3N2 subtypes supports public health monitoring and response.
• ICU and emergency triage: Differentiating between viral and bacterial causes of respiratory illness streamlines clinical pathways.
• Outbreak containment: Accurate strain-level data helps guide containment, vaccination strategies, and antiviral stewardship.

In past H1N1 outbreaks across India, especially during 2009 and 2015, timely detection would have dramatically improved public health response. The TRUPCR® Influenza Panel is a vital tool for early and precise flu virus identification, helping healthcare providers react with speed and confidence.