Hi‐PCR® COVID‐FLU Multiplex Probe PCR Kit includes primer‐probe sets specific to RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2, matrix protein gene of Influenza A virus (Inf A), non‐structural protein of Influenza B virus (Inf B) and human endogenous internal control (IC). The Kit also provides synthetic positive controls for validity of the test.
Influenza (commonly referred to as flu), is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Influenza virus belongs to the family of Orthomyxoviridae that exist in three types, designated as influenza A, Influenza B and Influenza C. The influenza virus types A and B are the dominant types of circulating influenza virus. Both coronaviruses and influenza viruses are highly contagious respiratory diseases transmitted via contact, respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing) and contaminated surfaces. The overlap of the flu season with the pandemic of COVID-19 complicates the clinical management of patients with respiratory symptoms. Due to many shared symptoms, COVID-19 might be clinically confused with pneumonia caused by Influenza viruses. Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza viruses A/B is vital in providing rapid treatment to infected patients with respiratory diseases and, thus, to reduce the spread of infections. HiMedia has developed a Multiplex Reverse Transcriptase Real-Time PCR kit which enables the clinicians and public health laboratories to quickly diagnose COVID-19 and influenza infection in a single tube.