Infectious Disease
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a common respiratory virus detected at the point of care from a nasal or nasopharyngeal swab, using either rapid antigen immunoassays or near-patient molecular (PCR-style) assays. The result is qualitative, reported as detected (positive) or not detected (negative), and supports rapid triage during the autumn and winter respiratory season.
Why it is measured
RSV testing helps clinicians identify a likely viral cause of acute respiratory illness quickly, which can support isolation, cohorting and antimicrobial stewardship decisions. It is particularly relevant in infants, older adults and immunocompromised patients where prompt confirmation may guide supportive care.
| Typical range | Expected result in adults: Negative (RSV not detected). This is a qualitative assay reporting Positive or Negative, not a numeric concentration, so no numeric reference range applies. Molecular platforms may additionally distinguish RSV A and RSV B. A positive result indicates viral antigen or RNA was detected, and a negative result does not fully exclude infection if sampling timing or quality is suboptimal. Performance and reporting conventions vary by method (antigen versus molecular) and by manufacturer. |
|---|---|
| Sample | Nasopharyngeal or anterior nasal swab (nasopharyngeal aspirate or wash also accepted by some assays), collected into the manufacturer's supplied transport or elution reagent. |
| Turnaround | Approximately 10 to 15 minutes for rapid antigen tests, and approximately 13 to 30 minutes for near-patient molecular assays, depending on platform. |
Point of care devices that report it
- BD Veritor Plus System (RSV antigen)
- Abbott BinaxNOW RSV (antigen)
- Quidel Sofia RSV FIA on the Sofia 2 analyser (fluorescent immunoassay)
- Abbott ID NOW RSV (near-patient molecular)
- Roche cobas Liat Influenza A/B & RSV (near-patient molecular)
Questions, answered
What is the difference between a rapid antigen RSV test and a molecular RSV test at the point of care?
Antigen tests detect RSV viral proteins and are typically fastest and simplest, but they are generally less sensitive than molecular methods. Near-patient molecular assays detect RSV genetic material (RNA) and tend to offer higher sensitivity, which can be useful when antigen results are negative but clinical suspicion remains. The best choice depends on the patient population, the clinical question and local testing protocols.
Does a negative RSV point-of-care result rule out infection?
Not entirely. A negative result lowers the likelihood of RSV but does not completely exclude it, because sensitivity is affected by sampling quality, timing within the illness and the method used. Clinicians interpret results alongside symptoms, the testing season and local guidance, and may repeat testing or use a more sensitive method if suspicion remains high.
Which sample type is used for point-of-care RSV testing?
Most point-of-care RSV assays use a nasopharyngeal or anterior nasal swab, and some accept nasopharyngeal aspirate or wash. Correct collection technique and use of the manufacturer's specified swab and transport or elution reagent are important for reliable results. Always follow the specific assay instructions for use, as accepted sample types vary between products.