Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Tests
Reviewed
Also called: RSV test, respiratory syncytial antibody test, RSV rapid detection
RSV testing checks a fluid sample from your nose to see if the virus is in your body and causing symptoms of a respiratory infection.
Specimen: Nose fluid sample
Why this test may be ordered
- To determine if RSV is causing moderate to severe cold-like symptoms in infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
- Public health tracking of RSV spread.
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for an RSV test.
Tests to diagnose RSV are done on a sample of fluid from your nose. RSV test samples should be taken during the first few days after symptoms begin.
There is very little risk to RSV testing. A nasal aspirate or wash may feel uncomfortable. A swab test may cause a gagging feeling or brief discomfort when your nose is swabbed.
Understanding results
A negative result means that no signs of the virus were found in your sample. A positive result means that you likely have an RSV infection.
- Negative: A negative result means that no signs of the virus were found in your sample. This may mean that another illness is causing your symptoms. Limitation: But a negative test result does not rule out RSV. It's possible that there was not enough of the virus in the sample for the test to find it. Next step: Your provider may recommend over-the-counter medicines and drinking plenty of fluids to relieve your symptoms.
- Positive: A positive result means that you likely have an RSV infection. Limitation: Infants, young children and older adults may need treatment in the hospital if they are having trouble breathing or have lost too much fluid and become dehydrated. Next step: Treatment may include oxygen and intravenous (IV) fluids. Talk with your child's provider before giving your child any medicines.
- A negative test does not rule out RSV because there may not be enough virus in the sample.
- Results are less accurate if the sample is not taken within the first few days after symptoms begin.
- Rapid antigen tests are less sensitive than molecular tests and may miss the virus in older children and adults who have less virus in their nose.
What to do next
Most healthy adults and children with RSV will get better in 1-2 weeks. Your provider may recommend over-the-counter medicines and drinking plenty of fluids to relieve your symptoms. Talk with your child's provider before giving your child any medicines.
- Do I need an RSV test?
- What do my RSV test results mean?
- When should I collect the sample?
- How is the sample collected?
- Are there any risks to the test?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Tests