Fact Sheet for Patients: Understanding Test Results Obtained With the CDC swH1N1 (Swine) Influenza Virus Real-Time RT-PCR Detection Panel on the Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System (JBAIDS) Instrument (December 18, 2009)
The information previously contained on these webpages were authorized under the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs). As of June 23, 2010, the EUAs have been terminated and this information is no longer current.
An emergency has been declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services because of the 2009 outbreak caused by a 2009 H1N1 flu virus. This virus has also been referred to as swine influenza (H1N1) virus. This Fact Sheet will refer to the virus as 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized emergency use of the CDC swH1N1 (swine) Influenza Virus Real-time RT-PCR Detection Panel on the Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System (JBAIDS) Instrument (rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel on JBAIDS) to test for the presence of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in clinical respiratory specimens and in viral culture. This authorization will terminate on April 26, 2010, unless (1) it is revoked sooner, (2) the declaration of emergency is terminated sooner, or (3) the declaration of emergency is renewed for a longer term. The information in this Fact Sheet is the minimum necessary to inform you of the significant known and potential risks and benefits of the emergency use of this 2009 H1N1 influenza virus test when used with the JBAIDS instrument.
Why was my sample tested using the rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel on JBAIDS ?
Your sample was tested using this test because you may have been infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. This test could help to determine whether you are infected. The results of this test, along with other information, may also help your doctor take better care of you.
What is 2009 H1N1 flu?
The 2009 H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza virus. Human cases of 2009 H1N1 flu virus infection have been identified in the United States and internationally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that this virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Like seasonal flu, the 2009 H1N1 flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.
What is the rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel on JBAIDS ?
The rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel on JBAIDS is a test performed to detect the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The FDA has not cleared or approved this test and there are no FDA cleared or approved tests that can identify the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Based on data submitted to FDA, FDA has granted an Emergency Use Authorization for the rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel on JBAIDS to be used at qualified Department of Defense (DoD) laboratories.
What are the known and potential risks and benefits of a 2009 H1N1 Influenza Test?
Besides minimal potential discomfort during sample collection, there is a very small risk of a reported incorrect result. (See next paragraph for more information.) The results of this test, along with other information, are intended to help your doctor take better care of you. Knowing your test results may help you to prevent the spread of the virus to your family or others.
If this test is positive, does that mean that I have 2009 H1N1 flu?
Yes, although there is a very small chance that this test can give a result that is wrong. There is a small chance of an incorrect positive test result (false positive). Your doctor may decide how to care for you based on the test results along with other factors.
If this test is negative, does that mean that I do not have 2009 H1N1 flu?
Most, but not all, people infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus will have a positive test. Therefore, if your test is negative, something else may be causing your illness. However, there is a small chance that this test can give a negative result that is wrong (called a false negative), meaning you could possibly still have flu even though the test is negative. Therefore, while a negative test most likely means you don't have flu, your doctor must consider the test result together with all other aspects of your illness in deciding how to treat you.