RSV

Formal name: Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Related tests: Influenza tests, Pertussis, Strep throat

At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To determine whether an infant, an elderly patient, or an immunocompromised patient has respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and to help determine whether or not RSV season has started in your community

When to Get Tested?

When it is RSV season (late fall through early spring) and your doctor wants to determine whether your runny nose, congestion, coughing and/or difficulty breathing are due to RSV or to other causes

Sample Required?

Usually a nasal aspirate or nasal wash; occasionally a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab

This article was last reviewed on October 6, 2008. | This page was last modified on February 7, 2010.

The review date indicates when the article was last reviewed from beginning to end to ensure that it reflects the most current science. A review may not require any modifications to the article, so the two dates may not always agree.

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