What is the most effective way in determining whether someone has been infected with the H1N1 influenza virus?

Answer 1

Usually tests aren't required to diagnose the H1N1/09 influenza, doctors go on the symptoms and history of potential exposure, as well as whether there is a big presence of the disease in the community at the time.

But there are tests for it. One that is more easily done in the field is a rapid test that, although easy to do and convenient, is less accurate than tests performed in the laboratory. See the related link to the CDC for information about the different tests.

When Swine Flu is suspected in a patient, a quick test is typically done to determine whether Type A or type B influenza is present. If the test results reveal that the patient has type A influenza, they could be infected with either a conventional flu strain or swine flu. Swine flu is diagnosed by evaluating the patient's symptoms and knowing if the person has been in contact with people known to have the condition. A definitive swine flu diagnosis is made by sending a sample to a specialized lab.

Answer 2

With the aid of an electron microscope virus particles can be viewed and identified.

For laboratory testing of a patient to diagnose the presence of the H1N1 influenza virus, there are field test kits that confirm the presence of a Type A influenza virus, but for more specific definitive lab analysis, there needs to be a specimen collected and sent to an esoteric lab (such as the CDC) to isolate and evaluate to determine the specific organism involved. Doctors often make a presumptive diagnosis and provide empiric treatment based on the type of flu that is present in the community at the time, rather than send the specimen for expensive lab analysis, since the treatment would be the same regardless of the specific influenza virus involved.

Answer 3

The only way is to have a special laboratory test done. This is only done in a few places, so the blood specimen usually has to be sent to a secondary lab for that specific study to determine the exact strain of the virus. Although, usually this is not needed and not done since the treatment for influenza is the same regardless of the strain of flu. There are now field kits to use for a rapid test done at the local medical provider, but these are less effective. They are less expensive and will tell the provider only if the person has influenza but not the specific strain. It does detect the type of the influenza, i.e., Influenza A, Influenza B, or Influenza C.