Metapneumonia Virus A, B Detection and Differentiation (RNA Detection) Qualitative Test
Short Name: hMPV A/B RNA Qualitative
Also known as: hMPV A/B PCR, Metapneumovirus RNA Test, hMPV Differentiation Test
Metapneumonia Virus A, B Detection and Differentiation (RNA Detection) Qualitative Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹9,350. Uses Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) on Nasopharyngeal swab, Bronchial swab, Bronchial lavage, Sputum, Lung tissue samples. Results in Reports are available on the 4th working day. Email delivery within 48 hours, phone 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 this test is to detect the presence of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) RNA in respiratory samples and to differentiate between subtypes A and B. This aids in confirming the etiology of respiratory infections, guiding clinical decisions, and supporting public health surveillance. The test is particularly useful in hospitalized patients with severe respiratory illness, immunocompromised individuals, and during outbreaks.
- Test Code
- 6198
- CPT Code
- 87798
- ICD Code
- B97.89
- Price
- ₹9,350
- Sample Type
- Nasopharyngeal swab, Bronchial swab, Bronchial lavage, Sputum, Lung tissue
- Result Time
- Reports are available on the 4th working day. Email delivery within 48 hours, phone within 36 hours.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR)
Sample Collection
No special preparation is required. However, it is important to sign the consent document and provide any relevant clinical history to the healthcare provider. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some antiviral drugs may affect test results.
Method: Swab, aspirate, or lavage by trained professional
Laboratory Analysis
A healthcare professional will collect a respiratory sample, typically a nasopharyngeal swab or bronchial lavage. The procedure may cause mild discomfort but is generally quick and safe. Follow the instructions of the collector to ensure proper sample collection.
Report Delivery
After collection, the sample is placed in a viral transport medium and sent to the laboratory immediately. You can resume normal activities. Results will be available within 4 working days and will be communicated via your preferred method.
Timeline: Reports are available on the 4th working day. Email delivery within 48 hours, phone within 36 hours.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of this test is to detect the presence of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) RNA in respiratory samples and to differentiate between subtypes A and B. This aids in confirming the etiology of respiratory infections, guiding clinical decisions, and supporting public health surveillance. The test is particularly useful in hospitalized patients with severe respiratory illness, immunocompromised individuals, and during outbreaks.
How to Prepare
- Sample must be collected in a sterile container with viral transport medium
- Nasopharyngeal swabs should be inserted deeply into the nostril and rotated
- Bronchial lavage should be performed by a trained professional
- Sputum samples should be from deep cough, not saliva
- Label the sample with patient identification and collection time
- Transport the sample to the laboratory at 2-8°C or frozen if delayed
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory infections across all age groups, particularly in children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Differentiating between subtypes A and B can aid in epidemiological tracking and clinical management, though treatment remains supportive. Early diagnosis helps reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and guides infection control measures."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample not in viral transport medium
- Insufficient quantity
- Improper labeling
- Sample leaked or contaminated
- Sample stored at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Sample collected in inappropriate container (e.g., plain tube)
Understanding Your Results
Metapneumovirus A RNA: Detected, B: Not Detected
Positive for hMPV subtype A infection. Clinical correlation advised.
Metapneumovirus A RNA: Not Detected, B: Detected
Positive for hMPV subtype B infection. Clinical correlation advised.
Both Detected
Co-infection with both subtypes A and B. Possible severe illness.
Both Not Detected
No hMPV RNA detected. Consider other respiratory pathogens.
Consult your physician if you have persistent respiratory symptoms, difficulty breathing, high fever, or if symptoms worsen. Also seek medical advice if you are in a high-risk group (children, elderly, immunocompromised) and suspect hMPV infection.
Limitations
- ⚠A negative result does not rule out other respiratory pathogens
- ⚠Test detects RNA, not live virus; positive result may not indicate active shedding
- ⚠Subtype differentiation may not alter clinical management in all cases
- ⚠Qualitative test does not provide viral load quantification
- ⚠Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical presentation and other laboratory findings
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal risk of bleeding or infection at collection site
- ●Slight discomfort during nasopharyngeal swab
- ●Rare risk of bronchospasm during lavage
Interfering Factors
- ●Improper sample collection or storage may lead to RNA degradation
- ●Presence of inhibitors in the sample (e.g., mucus, blood) can affect PCR
- ●Cross-contamination during collection or processing
- ●Recent use of antiviral therapy may reduce viral load
- ●Sample collected too early or too late in the infection course
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Metapneumonia Virus A, B Detection and Differentiation (RNA Detection) Qualitative Test | Influenza A/B RT-PCR | RSV Antigen Test | COVID-19 RT-PCR | Respiratory Panel PCR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Metapneumonia Virus A, B Detection and Differentiation (RNA Detection) Qualitative Test | Detects influenza viruses, not hMPV. Both are respiratory pathogens but require different treatments. | Detects respiratory syncytial virus, not hMPV. Antigen tests are less sensitive than PCR. | Detects SARS-CoV-2. hMPV can co-infect with COVID-19, so separate testing is needed. | A multiplex panel may include hMPV along with other viruses, providing broader coverage. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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