Flu A/B Rapid Test – EZER™ Influenza Antigen Device

What is in the Flu A/B Rapid Test?

Each kit contains 20 individually sealed EZER™ Flu A+B test cassettes, swabs, extraction tubes with buffer, nozzles, a stand, and a package insert. The test uses a sandwich-format immunochromatographic membrane to detect Flu A/B viral nucleoproteins.

The sample reacts with colloidal gold-labeled antibodies in the reagent pad. If antigens are present, immune complexes form and bind to test lines marked A and B. A visible red line indicates a positive result for either Flu A, Flu B, or both.

Role of Flu A/B in Disease

Influenza A and B are single-stranded RNA viruses responsible for annual respiratory illness outbreaks:

• Influenza A: Highly transmissible; associated with pandemics and severe epidemics

• Influenza B: Causes seasonal flu; typically milder but can cause serious illness in vulnerable populations

• Flu A/B co-circulation is common during flu seasons, making dual detection critical

Rapid identification allows early initiation of antiviral therapy-particularly effective if administered within 48 hours of symptom onset. Discriminating between Flu A and B is essential for managing transmission and choosing the appropriate antiviral regimen.

About the EZER™ Flu A+B Antigen Rapid Test

The EZER™ Flu A+B Rapid Test is an immunochromatographic assay designed for fast detection of Flu A/B antigens using monoclonal antibodies. Key assay characteristics:

• Detects nucleoprotein antigens specific to each virus type

• Distinct visual readout for Flu A (line A) and Flu B (line B)

• Internal control line (C) ensures proper test performance

• Compatible with room temperature testing (15–30 °C)

Performance Summary:

• Flu A Sensitivity: Up to 97.56% (nasal aspirates)

• Flu B Sensitivity: Up to 100% (nasopharyngeal swabs)

• Specificity (A & B): >99.4%

• Overall Accuracy: >99.0% across sample types

Principle and Workflow

Test Principle:

• Sample migrates along membrane strip

• If present, Flu A/B antigens bind to gold-labeled monoclonal antibodies

• Complex is captured by immobilized antibodies in the test zones (A & B)

• Control line (C) confirms proper flow and assay validity

Procedure:

1. Prepare sample using NP swab, throat swab, or nasal aspirate

2. Insert sample into extraction tube with buffer

3. Mix and apply 3 drops (100 µL) to the sample well

4. Read results at 15 minutes

Result Interpretation:

• A line only: Influenza A positive

• B line only: Influenza B positive

• A + B lines: Dual infection

• C line only: Negative

• No C line: Invalid test

Clinical Application

The EZER™ Flu A+B Rapid Test is a valuable tool for:

• Emergency and primary care settings for acute respiratory illness

• Outbreak control in institutional or community settings

• Influenza surveillance in clinical microbiology laboratories

• Triage and rapid decision-making in hospitals or urgent care units

Its combination of speed, accuracy, and ease-of-use makes it a practical alternative to PCR during peak flu seasons when rapid testing throughput is required.