Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Tests

Reviewed

Also called: RSV test, respiratory syncytial antibody test, RSV rapid detection

RSV tests check a fluid sample from your nose to see if respiratory syncytial virus is causing symptoms of a respiratory infection. Most people with mild symptoms do not need testing, but it may be used for infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems who have moderate to severe symptoms.

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

None.

Nasal aspirate or wash (preferred) or nasal swab.

There is very little risk to RSV testing. A nasal aspirate or wash may be uncomfortable, but these effects are temporary. A swab test may cause a gagging feeling or brief discomfort when the nose is swabbed.

Understanding results

RSV testing checks a fluid sample from your nose for the virus that causes respiratory infections. This table explains the two main result patterns.

  • Negative: No evidence of RSV found in the sample. Your symptoms may be due to a different cause. Limitation: A negative result does not rule out RSV because the amount of virus in the sample may be too low to detect. Next step: Routine
  • Positive: RSV detected. You likely have an RSV infection. Limitation: Infants, young children, and older adults may need hospital care if they have trouble breathing or become dehydrated. Next step: Prompt
  • 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

Discuss all results with your healthcare provider to understand what they mean for your situation. The provider will recommend the best next steps, which may include home care, monitoring, or hospital care if needed.

  • 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

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Tests

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