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Choose collection locationMicrobiology & PCR · Individual laboratory test
Influenza Virus A & B Antigen, Nasal Swab
This nasal swab looks for proteins from influenza A and B. It is an antigen test and differs from a molecular respiratory panel.
Price for this test on its ownAED 155Test price AED 55
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Nasopharyngeal Swab
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does Influenza A & B Antigen (Nasal Swab) measure?
Also called Flu A & B Antigen (Nasal)
A nasal antigen test can contribute to the assessment of a flu-like illness. The decision to test or treat also depends on illness timing and the person's risk of complications.
When it may be requested
Looking for a respiratory cause
The rapid antigen test checks for influenza A and B in the specimen collected.
Deciding whether to test further
Symptoms, swab quality and circulating influenza affect how much confidence to place in a negative result.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenNasopharyngeal Swab
Your checklist
No fasting is needed for the nasal swab. Give the day symptoms began and mention antiviral medicines; sampling time affects the chance of detection.
A trained professional takes a sample from the nose using the swab specified for this test. You may briefly feel discomfort or watery eyes.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideInfluenza Virus A & B Antigen, Nasal Swab
Reading your result
The test differentiates A and B antigen. A negative result is less conclusive than a positive one when symptoms and local flu activity strongly suggest influenza.
What can affect it
- A negative antigen test can miss influenza, and molecular testing may be appropriate.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testInfluenza Virus A & B Antigen, Nasal Swab
- Specimen
- Nasopharyngeal Swab
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Influenza Virus A & B Antigen, Nasal Swab in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Share the date symptoms began. If a negative antigen result conflicts with a flu-like illness, ask whether clinical review or molecular testing is appropriate.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
What if the swab is negative but I still have flu symptoms?
A rapid antigen test can miss influenza. Your clinician considers when symptoms began and whether additional testing or treatment is appropriate.
What does a positive flu A or flu B result mean?
Detected means influenza antigen was found on your nasal swab, reported separately for influenza A and B. During flu season this is dependable evidence of infection, because the test is more specific than it is sensitive. When influenza is barely circulating, a positive result is more likely to be misleading, so your doctor reads it against what is going around locally.
What is the difference between a rapid flu antigen test and a flu PCR test?
Both use a swab, but they detect different things. The antigen test looks for influenza proteins and is fast, while PCR detects the virus's genetic material and is considerably more sensitive. A positive antigen result in flu season is usually reliable, but a negative one may be followed by PCR when influenza is circulating widely.
I am pregnant and have flu symptoms. Should I wait for the swab result?
Contact your maternity clinician promptly. Pregnancy increases the risk of flu complications. A clinician may start antiviral treatment for suspected flu before the result is available, and a negative rapid test does not by itself rule out flu.
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Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.