When you open up the lab result on the EMR, all you see is what is on the TOP LEFT corner:
CoV-2 detected, Influenza A/B NOT detected.
But, if you open up the commentary for "Not Detected"
You realize it is a little bit more messy...
What does this mean?
If this test DETECTS CoV-2
the testing protocol ASSUMES ("negative results...considered presumptive") that Influenza A/B is NOT DETECTED.
You read that right.
Just think about that for a second.
Question is, WHY?!
Well, let's dig into the documentation
If we look at PAGE 24 of the insert from Roche (link above)
"studies showed that SARS-CoV-2 virus...can inhibit the DETECTION AND AMPLIFICATION of influenza A and influenza B virus RNA...and may lead to FALSE NEGATIVE INFLUENZA virus results"
Think about this for a second:
-East Coast Major Metro
-Level 1 Trauma center
-Using this test for all patients coming through it!
No wonder influenza was nowhere to be seen.
The question is, how many other tests have the same limitation?
Summary:
RT-PCR multiplex CoV-2 & Flu A/B assay
CANNOT detect Influenza IF CoV-2 RNA is Detected!
Sound familiar? It should...
"CDC encourages...adoption of a method that can [differentiate] CoV-2 and Influenza viruses"