What is in the Flu Panel?

The Flu Panel is a highly sensitive, multiplex real-time PCR assay for the detection of major respiratory viruses. This panel identifies:

• Influenza A virus
• Influenza B virus
• Pandemic H1N1 (pdm09)
• H3N2 influenza subtype
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus A & B (RSV A/B)
• RNaseP human gene (internal control)

TRUPCR®’s Flu Panel is optimized for use with respiratory samples such as nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum, tracheal aspirates, and viral cultures. By combining all these targets into a single test with three multiplex reactions per tube, labs can achieve faster turnaround times with greater diagnostic coverage—especially critical during winter seasons or when co-infections are suspected.

Role of Different Targets in Disease

Each component of the Flu Panel provides clinically actionable information:

Influenza A & B Viruses

These are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics. Type A is more virulent and causes pandemics, with H1N1 and H3N2 being dominant subtypes. Influenza B, while typically milder, still contributes significantly to flu burden, especially in pediatric cases.

Pandemic H1N1 (pdm09)

This swine-origin virus emerged in 2009 and continues to circulate seasonally. Early detection is crucial for managing outbreaks and initiating antiviral therapies.

H3N2 Subtype

Associated with more severe illness in elderly populations and can lead to complications in immunocompromised individuals. Monitoring H3N2 is vital for public health surveillance and vaccine strain selection.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV A/B)

A leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and a serious threat to the elderly and immunocompromised. Subtype A is typically more severe, while subtype B often causes asymptomatic or milder infections. RSV seasonality overlaps with flu, making a combined panel essential.

RNaseP Gene

An endogenous control to confirm sample quality and extraction integrity. It ensures that a negative viral result is not due to inadequate sampling or technical failure.

By including all these targets, the Flu Panel supports accurate diagnosis and differential identification of respiratory illnesses in a single, efficient run.

About the TRUPCR® Flu Panel with RSV Detection Kit

The TRUPCR® Flu Panel with RSV Detection Kit is designed to provide comprehensive detection of multiple respiratory pathogens in a single test. Built on CDC-licensed primers and probes, the panel follows international best practices in respiratory virus diagnostics.

Kit Highlights:

• Three parallel multiplex reactions in each test tube
• Single-step RT-PCR protocol for simplicity
• Compatible with multiple real-time PCR platforms
• Hot-start polymerase for enhanced specificity
• Validated for various clinical sample types

Each tube in the panel is configured for specific viral targets:

• Tube 1: Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV A & B
• Tube 2: Pandemic H1N1, H3N2, RNaseP gene

The result is a balanced diagnostic solution that supports accurate detection even in complex clinical presentations or co-infections.

Principle and Workflow

The Flu Panel employs real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) to detect viral RNA. Here’s how it works:

1. RNA Extraction
   Respiratory specimens are processed to isolate viral RNA using a validated extraction method.
2. Multiplex Reaction Setup
   The extracted RNA is added to three pre-mixed multiplex reaction tubes containing all necessary primers, probes, enzymes, and buffer components.
3. RT-PCR Amplification
   Reverse transcription and amplification occur simultaneously in a single step. The hot-start polymerase ensures reaction specificity.
4. Fluorescence Detection
   Viral targets are identified through fluorescent reporter dyes: FAM/Green & HEX &

• Tex Red/Orange

Each dye corresponds to specific viral genes. Amplification curves and Ct values are used for result interpretation, with RNaseP confirming sample adequacy.

5. Analysis
   Results are automatically interpreted by standard real-time PCR software. Detection of multiple targets allows quick clinical decision-making.

Clinical Application

The TRUPCR® Flu Panel with RSV detection is ideal for use in clinical labs, public health surveillance, and high-throughput diagnostic centers. It enables:

• Early diagnosis of flu and RSV in symptomatic patients
• Outbreak management through rapid identification of circulating strains
• Co-infection detection, supporting better triage and patient management
• Differential diagnosis of respiratory infections with overlapping symptoms
• High-risk population screening, including the elderly, infants, and immunocompromised individuals

Its comprehensive design supports healthcare providers in managing seasonal peaks, minimizing transmission, and initiating timely antiviral or supportive therapy.