DMCH starts Influenza panel test

Ludhiana, March 22, 2023: Keeping in view the rising cases of H3N2 and Influenza B, department of Microbiology, DMCH has started the Influenza panel test to detect several respiratory viruses including Influenza A, Influenza B, HIN1, H3N2, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with the guidance and support of DMCH management and medical administrators.

Speaking on the occasion, Prem Kumar Gupta, Secretary DMC Managing Society, said that DMCH has always kept abreast with the healthcare needs of society and strives to provide the best diagnostic and medical care services to patients of the region.

Dr. Veenu Gupta, Professor and Head, department of Microbiology, said that influenza or flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses. It easily spreads from person to person by coughing, sneezing and/or touching contaminated surfaces. This test uses a molecular technique known as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to detect viral RNA in respiratory specimens such as nasopharyngeal swabs.

As per government guidelines, charges for the test are Rs. 3500 and the results will be reported within 12-24 hours. This facility is available for category C patients and can be availed by other hospitals as well.