Respiratory Virus Screening: A Critical Tool for Year-Round Patient Care

Viruses that cause respiratory illnesses are a constant risk for patients, with peaks throughout the year—not only in the fall and winter. Because several viruses can circulate simultaneously and there is often an overlap of signs and symptoms, it may be difficult to identify a respiratory infection based solely on symptom presentation. 

This is why labs need to be prepared year-round to detect these pathogens. Effective treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis.

Labs can support patient care by providing timely and accurate test results

Diagnostic assays are already available for a number of respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenzas 1–4, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, and rhinovirus. There are also multiplexed or “mini-panel” tests that allow for the detection of multiple targets off a single sample, minimizing the need for patient return visits.

By using highly sensitive and specific testing technology, such as nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), labs can deliver proper diagnoses and help patients get the treatment they need sooner.

Simplified testing strategies can help manage severe respiratory virus seasons

Following which viruses are circulating nationally can grant a preview of trends, but it is more practical to track locally. This can help labs focus on the most likely culprits and cut down on the number of tests to run on a single sample. 

Labs can further “personalize” tests by using multiplex respiratory assays that allow them to tailor screening to specific viruses, keeping costs down while streamlining workflow.

The 2024-2025 respiratory virus season and beyond

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2024–2025 respiratory season will most likely result in a peak hospitalization rate similar to that seen in 2023–2024 for COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Flu has been particularly severe this season, and COVID-19 remains a concern as it continues to act unpredictably, such as with the recent surge experienced this past summer. Until the virus settles into more of a fall/winter peak, labs will need to stay prepared for these atypical patterns.

A new viral threat: H5N1 bird flu

The emergence of new viral threats also keeps us vigilant, making it important to follow announcements from the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

For example, we continue to see reports of H5N1 bird flu spreading to humans via poultry and cows, as well as measles outbreaks in the US, so you never know when the list of infection vectors will expand. 

The CDC is performing bird flu serology testing to provide data for public health investigations and inform policy. The organization is also preparing for the worst if the current outbreak worsens by contracting with laboratories and diagnostics companies to produce the assays and reagents that may be needed. 

There are currently no commercial assays available for H5N1 bird flu, but having an open access system can allow labs to incorporate these new tests as they are developed, like we saw with the first COVID-19 assays.

Applying lessons learned to now and the future

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stress test for the lab system. It highlighted the importance of testing flexibility to meet the unpredictability of infection rates and demonstrated how a laboratory’s choice of equipment affects success through labor and time savings. 

For instance, receiving samples in direct load tubes eliminates the need for specimen transfer, allowing them to go directly for processing upon arrival. Additionally, systems using a continuous and random-access interface for sample processing minimize downtime between tests, while scalable testing equipment helps labs manage surges in volume.

Fully automated systems can free up time for lab technicians, allowing them to apply their expertise at the bench and focus on critical tasks, such as learning how to incorporate new multiplex respiratory assays and adopting advances in nasal swab technology and collection kits.

Advancing patient care through year-round testing strategies

Respiratory viruses remain real threats to patients, and accurate diagnosis of these pathogens is complicated by surges in the community and overlapping symptoms. Labs remain critical in protecting patient health by detecting these viruses and enabling physicians to prescribe the appropriate treatment quickly.

Having an established strategy for how your lab will meet the needs of patients, considering choice of equipment and the latest advancements, can ensure more positive outcomes for the overall health of your broader community and the success of the lab year-round.