Panel Presentation: Multiplex RT-PCR to Accurately Detect and Differentiate Respiratory Viruses Presenting Similar Clinical Symptoms

Last year, while experts were concerned about the “twindemic”, the flu season was virtually non-existent due to COVID-19 public health countermeasures. With COVID-19 vaccination rollouts and relaxation of these policies, a rebound increase in seasonal flu is likely. COVID-19 and influenza share similar symptoms but are managed differently. 

In this workshop, our speakers will provide an introduction into the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B and explain the importance of differentiating them in a single test. We will also discuss the clinical performance of the Applied Biosystems™ TaqPath™ COVID-19, FluA, FluB Combo Kit as compared to other multiplex RT-PCR tests.
 

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the current epidemiological ecosystem in the United States.

2. Evaluate the performance data of the TaqPath COVID-19 Flu A, Flu B combo kit against two competitor solutions.

3. Assess the approved workflow of a real-time PCR testing solution for COVID 19, influenza A, and influenza B.