H7N9 & Influenza A Viral Load Quantitative Test
Short Name: H7N9 & Influenza A Viral Load
Also known as: Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Viral Load, Influenza A H7N9 Quantitative PCR
H7N9 & Influenza A Viral Load Quantitative Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹11,560. Uses Real Time PCR on Sputum; throat and nasal swabs in viral transport medium, or lung tissues, Cell Cultures etc. samples. Results in Reports are delivered on the 4th working day. Email reports within 48 hours, phone consultation within 36 hours.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the H7N9 & Influenza A Viral Load Quantitative Test is to detect the presence of influenza A virus, specifically the H7N9 subtype, and measure the viral load in respiratory secretions. This information is vital for: 1) Confirming the diagnosis of H7N9 infection, 2) Assessing the severity of the infection based on viral load, 3) Monitoring the response to antiviral treatment, 4) Guiding infection control measures to prevent spread, and 5) Supporting epidemiological surveillance. Quantitative viral load data can also help predict clinical outcomes, as higher viral loads are often associated with more severe disease and poorer prognosis.
- Test Code
- 6145
- CPT Code
- 87529
- ICD Code
- J10.1
- Price
- ₹11,560
- Sample Type
- Sputum; throat and nasal swabs in viral transport medium, or lung tissues, Cell Cultures etc.
- Result Time
- Reports are delivered on the 4th working day. Email reports within 48 hours, phone consultation within 36 hours.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real Time PCR
Sample Collection
No special preparation required. However, patients must sign a consent document and provide relevant clinical history. Inform your doctor about any recent antiviral medication use.
Method: Healthcare professional
Laboratory Analysis
Sample collection involves obtaining respiratory secretions (sputum, throat swab, nasal swab) or lung tissue. The procedure is quick and may cause minor discomfort.
Report Delivery
No specific post-collection precautions. You can resume normal activities immediately. Results will be available as per the turnaround time.
Timeline: Reports are delivered on the 4th working day. Email reports within 48 hours, phone consultation within 36 hours.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the H7N9 & Influenza A Viral Load Quantitative Test is to detect the presence of influenza A virus, specifically the H7N9 subtype, and measure the viral load in respiratory secretions. This information is vital for: 1) Confirming the diagnosis of H7N9 infection, 2) Assessing the severity of the infection based on viral load, 3) Monitoring the response to antiviral treatment, 4) Guiding infection control measures to prevent spread, and 5) Supporting epidemiological surveillance. Quantitative viral load data can also help predict clinical outcomes, as higher viral loads are often associated with more severe disease and poorer prognosis.
How to Prepare
- For throat swab: Insert swab into the posterior pharynx and rotate gently.
- For nasal swab: Insert swab into nostril and rotate for a few seconds.
- Place swab immediately into viral transport medium.
- For sputum: Collect deep cough specimen in a sterile container.
- Label the sample with patient details and send to the lab immediately.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Quantitative viral load testing for H7N9 is crucial for assessing disease severity and monitoring response to antiviral therapy. Early diagnosis can significantly improve patient outcomes."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample not in viral transport medium
- Insufficient quantity
- Leaked or broken container
- Improper labeling
- Sample received after prolonged delay without proper storage
Understanding Your Results
No evidence of influenza A (including H7N9) infection. Consider other respiratory pathogens.
Clinical action: Further diagnostic workup for alternative etiologies.
Influenza A infection due to other subtypes (e.g., H1N1, H3N2).
Clinical action: Initiate appropriate antiviral therapy and monitor.
Confirmed H7N9 infection. Viral load indicates severity.
Clinical action: Immediate isolation, antiviral treatment, and supportive care.
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience high fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or if you have been in contact with poultry or a confirmed H7N9 case. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
Limitations
- ⚠A negative result does not rule out influenza A infection if sample quality is poor or collected too early/late
- ⚠Quantification may not correlate directly with disease severity in all patients
- ⚠Test detects H7N9 and influenza A but not other respiratory pathogens
- ⚠Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor discomfort during sample collection
- ●Sore throat or nasal irritation after swab
- ●Rare risk of bleeding if patient has bleeding disorders
Interfering Factors
- ●Improper sample collection or storage may lead to RNA degradation
- ●Presence of PCR inhibitors in respiratory specimens
- ●Recent antiviral therapy may reduce viral load, affecting quantification
- ●Cross-contamination during sample processing
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | H7N9 & Influenza A Viral Load Quantitative Test | Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test (RIDT) | RT-PCR (Qualitative) | Viral Culture | Serological Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | H7N9 & Influenza A Viral Load Quantitative Test | RIDT detects viral antigens and provides results in 15-30 minutes, but has lower sensitivity and cannot distinguish subtypes. Our test uses PCR for higher accuracy and quantification. | Qualitative RT-PCR only detects presence or absence of virus. Our quantitative test measures viral load, which is more informative for disease monitoring. | Viral culture is time-consuming (days) and requires specialized labs. PCR is faster and more sensitive. | Serology detects antibodies, which appear later in infection. PCR detects viral RNA early, enabling timely diagnosis. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the H7N9 & Influenza A Viral Load Quantitative Test?
What sample is required for this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Is fasting required before the test?
What is the purpose of this test?
How is the test performed?
Can this test differentiate H7N9 from other Influenza A subtypes?
Is home sample collection available?
What are the symptoms of H7N9 infection?
Who should get this test?
Are there any risks associated with the test?
How should I interpret my results?
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We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.
Your Data Privacy
Your medical data is protected under Indian law.
✓ Stored in India: All patient records are stored on servers located in India. No data is transferred outside the country.
✓ DPDP Act Compliant: Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, you can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting support.
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