Exams and Tests

Swine influenza can be confirmed by culturing respiratory secretions such as sputum or nasal/throat secretions.

Rapid tests are available to give a general idea if an influenza A strain is present.

More specific testing is required to ensure that the strain is truly a swine influenza. Specific testing is usually done at state health departments or at the CDC.

Your local laboratory will have a procedure in place to send specimens to the health department.