This flu season, Oswald’s Pharmacy will be offering Rapid COVID-19 & Flu A+B tests. The test we will be administering is the BD SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza A+B rapid antigen testing, which tests for both the seasonal flu and COVID-19.
The Rapid COVID-19 & Flu A+B Test allows patients to get tested for two flu variants with one simple test. Results for both the seasonal flu and COVID-19 are available just 15 minutes after the test.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is the BD SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza A+B Rapid Antigen Test?
The BD SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza A+B rapid antigen test is an antigen test for both the seasonal flu and COVID-19. The test looks for traces for flu A, flu B, and COVID-19 and reports the results in 15 minutes.
How does the COVID-19 & Flu A+B Test Work?
The BD COVID-19 & Flu A+B test is a nasal swab test that takes a sample from a patient’s nose. Don’t worry–the BD test doesn’t need a deep swab like the original COVID-19 tests, just a sample from a nostril.
After a sample is collected, the sample is placed in the BD testing unit where, after 15 minutes, results are given for COVID-19 and Flu A & B.
That’s it!
BD’s testing unit is extremely easy to read, showing a “+” for positive and a “-” for negative on the same line as the viral name. This makes results easy to read for lab technicians and easy to understand for patients.
Is the BD COVID-19 & Flu A+B Test Approved by the FDA?
Like most COVID-19-related products, the BD COVID-19 & Flu A+B Test has been granted EUA status by the FDA. This means the product was deemed fit for use by authorized laboratories. Products that are EUA-authorized by the FDA are still approved by the FDA to use in emergency situations (such as the COVID-19 Pandemic).
As of the publishing of this article, there are no FDA Approved dual COVID-19 and Flu Tests available.
BD COVID-19 & Flu A+B Test EUA
Is the COVID-19 & Flu A+B Test Safe?
The BD COVID-19 & Flu A+B Antigen test is extremely safe to use. The only thing a patient needs to do is consent to a light nasal swab. The BD testing unit has been tested with detecting COVID-19, flu A, and flu B at 99.5%, 97.5%, and 98.2% accuracy. This means the BD testing unit is very accurate.
The test is only authorized to be used by certified lab personnel, meaning it is conducted by healthcare professionals with training and certification. If you feel that your test results are not correct, one way or the other, please call your doctor.
What Should I Do If I Test Positive?
You should contact your doctor as soon as possible to see what the next steps to take are. The BD COVID-19 & Flu A+B test only tests for signs of the viruses, it does not help to fight them. This test will tell you if you have COVID-19 or Flu A/B and is not a vaccine in any way.
How Much Does the COVID-19 & Flu A+B Test Cost?
BD COVID-19 & Flu A+B Tests cost $125.00 per person at Oswald’s Pharmacy.
Are There Any Procedures I Need to Follow for the COVID-19 & Flu A+B Test?
If you often have issues with dry nasal cavities/bleeding, please use a humidifier in your bedroom the night before or in the hours leading up to your appointment, as it may help reduce the likelihood of a bloody nose. If you don’t own a humidifier, a steamy shower works too!
DO NOT put Vaseline, lotion, Vick’s, or any other product up your nose the night before and hours leading up to your appointment.
DO NOT blow your nose right before your appointment.
COVID-19 & Flu A+B Testing at Oswald’s Pharmacy
If you have any questions about the test, the testing procedure, or anything else related to the BD COVID-19 & Flu A+B Test, please give us a call or send us an email. Our lab team would be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
If you are just looking for COVID-19 Testing, we also have options so you can schedule an appointment online:
