What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing eye redness, discharge, or irritation along with flu-like symptoms and you've had contact with sick or dead birds, poultry, or infected animals. It's also appropriate if you meet CDC clinical or exposure criteria for possible Avian Influenza (H5N1) infection. The test looks for Influenza A and B genetic material in a conjunctiva (eye) sample and automatically checks for the H5 avian strain if Influenza A is detected.

What's included in this test?

This test doesn't measure biomarkers in the traditional sense — instead it detects the genetic material (RNA) of Influenza A and B viruses directly from a conjunctiva sample. If Influenza A is found, the sample automatically undergoes a reflex test to check specifically for the H5 strain, including H5N1 (Avian Influenza), so you get a more complete picture of what type of flu you may have without needing a separate order.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative result means for each part of the test. If your result is negative but symptoms continue or worsen, retesting or monitoring for new symptoms is a reasonable next step. If your result is positive, especially for the H5 reflex, it's important to seek medical care right away since this requires prompt attention. You can download the standard lab report anytime from your account, and if you test again in the future, you can track results over time using the trends feature.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically available within about 7 days from when your sample is collected. Because this test involves an initial screen plus a possible reflex test for H5, processing can take a bit longer than a standard flu test. You'll be notified as soon as your results are ready to view in your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is meant for people who meet CDC criteria for possible Avian Influenza exposure — for example, those who have worked with or been exposed to birds, poultry, or dairy cattle, or who have had close contact with a confirmed or suspected H5N1 case. It's also appropriate for anyone with eye symptoms like conjunctivitis combined with flu-like illness following a known exposure. If you're unsure whether you meet the criteria, the CDC website has detailed guidance to help you decide.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for eye redness, swelling, discharge, or irritation (conjunctivitis) appearing alongside fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue. These symptoms are especially relevant if you've recently had contact with birds, poultry, or other animals known to carry avian flu. Eye symptoms are a notable early sign of H5N1 infection in some documented human cases, which is why conjunctiva samples are used for this specific test.

What is Avian Influenza (H5N1) and why does it matter?

Avian Influenza, or bird flu, is a type of influenza virus that mainly infects birds but can occasionally spread to humans, usually through close contact with infected animals. The H5N1 strain matters because it can cause more severe illness than typical seasonal flu and health officials track it closely to catch and contain outbreaks early. Early detection through testing helps limit spread and ensures people get appropriate care quickly.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result for Influenza A means the virus's genetic material was found in your sample, and a positive H5 reflex result means it specifically matches the avian flu strain. This is a serious finding that calls for prompt medical attention, so if you test positive, especially for H5, seek care right away rather than waiting. Isolating yourself from others and avoiding further animal contact is also recommended until you've been evaluated.

What causes a false negative or inconclusive result?

Testing too early or too late in the infection, collecting the sample incorrectly, or having a very low amount of virus present at the time of collection can all lead to a negative result even if you are infected. If your symptoms started very recently or you still have symptoms despite a negative result, retesting after a day or two can help confirm the finding. Following the collection instructions on your order confirmation carefully also helps reduce this risk.

How often should I retest?

If your first test is negative but you still have symptoms or ongoing exposure risk, retesting within a few days is a sensible option since virus levels can change over the course of an infection. People with continued occupational exposure to birds or livestock, such as poultry or dairy workers, may need periodic testing based on CDC or workplace guidance. Otherwise, this test is generally a one-time check tied to a specific exposure or symptom episode rather than routine, repeated testing.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Influenza A/B & H5 Avian Flu Conjunctiva Test

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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