Cold & Flu Essential

10 pathogens from one nasal swab: influenza A, including its subtypes, and influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A and B, parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3, and adenovirus. Each is reported on its own line, so you learn which virus is present rather than simply that something is.

Real-time PCR looks for the virus's genetic material and finds it at far lower levels than a rapid antigen strip, which is why a home kit can read negative early in an illness. It also covers ten viruses in one run rather than one, so a negative influenza result still tells you what you do have.

Fever, chills, body aches, a new cough, sore throat, a blocked or running nose, hoarseness, or wheeze in a child: especially when the illness arrives suddenly. It is also worth a swab when a household is passing something around and you want to know exactly what.

Not on its own. PCR finds genetic material, and that material can stay detectable after you start to feel better, so a positive says the virus was present rather than that you are still shedding it. Your doctor weighs the result against your symptoms and how long you have been unwell.

A swab taken in the first hours of an illness can read negative before the virus is shedding in quantity, and some viruses sit outside this panel: SARS-CoV-2 among them, covered by the COVID-19 PCR Test. If symptoms continue, your doctor may repeat the swab or move to Cold & Flu Advanced.

Yes. It is quick, and our phlebotomists swab children often: a soft tip along the floor of the nostril, a few seconds of rotation, done, usually with the child on a parent's lap. If your child is very distressed or has had recent nasal surgery, speak to us first via contact.

This panel covers the core seasonal viruses. Cold & Flu Advanced adds a second viral panel to the same swab (the four seasonal coronaviruses, rhinovirus, enterovirus, bocavirus and human metapneumovirus), which suits a cough that will not settle or an influenza test that came back negative.

It can. An influenza result is the one most likely to prompt an early antiviral discussion, especially if you are older, pregnant or living with a lung or heart condition. For the others care is supportive, but a name tells your doctor an antibiotic would add nothing and helps you plan rest and time away from others.

AED 449 all in, with results within 48 hours as a secure digital Smart Report. That covers the nasal swab, free home collection anywhere in Dubai, analysis on our multiplex PCR platform and physician review, with nothing added at the door.

Yes to the first, no to the second. A DHA-licensed phlebotomist visits your home or office anywhere in Dubai seven days a week at no extra cost, and there is nothing to fast for: eat and drink as usual. If you would rather come to us, a lab visit can be arranged.