Actim® Influenza A&B
For timely and convenient flu testing.
Overview
The key to early diagnosis of influenza
Actim® Influenza A&B detects and differentiates between influenza A and B virus antigens from respiratory samples in just 10 minutes.
Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Seasonal flu epidemics are caused by two main types of influenza viruses – A and B – which infect around 10% of the population every year.
The symptoms of influenza are similar to the symptoms caused by less severe viral infections. However, it is important to distinguish between influenza and common cold, since influenza is more likely to be life-threatening or require hospitalization.
Actim Influenza A&B can be used as an aid to diagnose influenza on the spot. Early diagnosis enables the prescription of antiviral treatment to effectively reduce the duration and severity of the illness. In addition, the detection of influenza reduces unnecessary use of antibiotics, and helps take preventive actions to limit the spread of the infection.
Actim Influenza A&B in a nutshell
Detects influenza A and B from different respiratory sample types.
Test result available in just 10 minutes.
Also available with positive controls for quality assurance purposes.
Innovation behind Actim® Influenza A&B
A rapid test based on specific monoclonal antibodies
Actim Influenza A&B is based on highly specific monoclonal antibodies that detect nucleoprotein of the virus. This is the internal part of the virus that is not subject to annual structural changes.
Actim Influenza A&B is specific to influenza and does not detect other respiratory viruses, such as adenovirus, rapid respiratory syncytial virus, or rhinovirus. It detects a wide range of Influenza A subtypes, including H5N3, H7N3, H9N2, H5N1 (“avian flu”), and H1N1v (“swine flu”).
Furthermore, the rapid test is suitable for several types of respiratory samples: nasal swabs or aspirates and samples of high viscosity.
About influenza virus nucleoprotein
- Nucleoprotein encapsidates the RNA genome of the virus.
- It is conserved across influenza virus subtypes.
Diagnosis of influenza made quick and convenient
Influenza diagnostics tests have a crucial role in detecting individual cases and monitoring the spread of different viral strains. However, many available test methods are time consuming, and they often require laboratory equipment and trained laboratory staff. Actim® Influenza A&B enables fast and easy influenza testing.
Antiviral drugs may ease the severity of the symptoms and shorten the duration of the infection. For risk groups, antivirals may prevent the more severe form of influenza and the need of hospitalization. However, antivirals work best when treatment starts at the early onset of symptoms (usually within 2 days), which is why early detection of influenza is crucial.
A positive result from Actim Influenza A&B helps decision-making and enables early prescription of the right treatment.
How to use the test
How to use Actim Influenza A&B
Learn how to use the test in the video below:
1 & 2. Extract the sample from the nasal/nasopharyngeal swab
Once the swab sample has been collected, dispense 12 drops of Swab Extraction Buffer into the test tube.
Place the swab into the test tube and swirl vigorously for approximately 10 seconds. Next, press the swab against the wall of the tube and remove it from the tube.
OR
3 & 4. Extract the sample from the nasal aspirate
Dispense three drops of the Extraction Buffer into the test tube.
Mix the solution well.
5. Activate the test
Place the yellow dip area into the test tube with the extracted sample and leave it there until reading.
6. Interpret the test result
- A positive result can be read as soon as it becomes visible.
One blue line in the lower part of the result area = influenza A positive
One blue line in the middle part of the result area = influenza B positive
Two blue lines in the result area = influenza A and B positive.
- A negative result should be confirmed at 10 minutes.
Only a black control line is visible = influenza virus not detected, further investigation needed.
Product information
Actim Influenza A&B
All the test kits contain:
- 20 Individually packed dipsticks
- 1 Dropper bottle of Swab Extraction Buffer
- 1 Dropper bottle of Extraction Buffer
- 20 Swabs
- 20 Test tubes
- 1 Instructions for Use quick guide
- 1 Instructions for Use document
In addition, Actim Influenza A&B test kit 32836ETAC contains influenza control swabs: one control swab each for Positive Control A and Positive Control B.
Product codes
- Actim Influenza A&B, 20 tests with controls | product code 32836ETAC
- Actim Influenza A&B, 20 tests | product code 32837ETAC
Materials
Downloadable materials
- Brochures & leaflets
- Brochure
- Actim Influenza A&B instructions for use
- Instructions for use
- Actim Influenza A&B quick guide
- Material safety data sheet
- If you wish to receive a Material safety data sheet, please contact regulatory@actimtest.com
Actim® Influenza A&B is not registered in the USA.
MDSAP 13485 and ISO 13485 can be found here.