Nucleic acid testing: The ‘precision sentinel’ for respiratory disease prevention in autumn and winter

Foreword

As temperatures plummet, pathogens like influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) enter their peak season, with patients presenting with coughs and sore throats flooding hospital fever clinics. While these illnesses share strikingly similar symptoms, they demand vastly different treatment approaches. How can we swiftly identify the true culprit? The nucleic acid test – once pivotal in COVID-19 containment – is now emerging as an invisible shield in the battle against autumn and winter respiratory diseases.

Background

“Early detection reduces transmission risks,” stated Dr. Qiu from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, highlighting the core value of nucleic acid testing. During the pandemic’s initial phase in 2020, she set a record by processing over 500 samples daily in Hubei’s severely affected areas. She pioneered a dual-screening method combining nucleic acid and antibody tests, successfully identifying four asymptomatic carriers in a five-member household cluster, effectively containing the outbreak. The precision demonstrated by this case underscores its growing importance in modern multi-pathogen prevention and control efforts.

Compared to traditional antigen tests, nucleic acid testing demonstrates exceptional “sharp eyes” advantages. Data shows its sensitivity for detecting H1N1 influenza virus reaches 98%, capable of identifying trace viral particles within 1-3 days after infection, allowing 1-2 days earlier identification of infected individuals than antigen tests. For crowded venues like schools and nursing homes, this “early screening and alert” capability proves crucial—when fever cases emerge, nucleic acid testing can swiftly pinpoint infection sources, preventing cluster outbreaks.

More significantly, the versatile nature of nucleic acid testing is addressing a major clinical challenge. Autumn and winter fevers and coughs may originate from multiple pathogens like Influenza A, respiratory syncytial virus, and rhinovirus. Influenza A requires antiviral treatment within 48 hours, while respiratory syncytial virus primarily needs symptomatic support. Blind antibiotic use not only proves ineffective but may also damage the liver and kidneys. The current single-pharyngeal swab-based multipathogen detection technology can simultaneously identify six common pathogens, dramatically reducing misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment rates. Clinical statistics from a hospital show that after implementing nucleic acid testing-guided medication protocols, antibiotic usage among respiratory infection patients decreased by over 40%.

The accuracy of nucleic acid testing depends on complex procedures？

In fact, this technology has become increasingly convenient. From initial centralized laboratory testing to the current “1-hour result delivery after sampling” in some medical institutions, the improved efficiency of testing has made epidemic prevention more timely. For household cluster fevers, many community health service centers now offer door-to-door sampling services, allowing vulnerable groups like the elderly and infants to complete testing without leaving their homes.

To ensure test accuracy and minimize false positives and false negatives, this relentless pursuit of precision has now become an inherent standard in nucleic acid testing technology. At Shanghai Lingjun Bio-Molecular Biology Laboratory, technicians conduct daily verification of nucleic acid extraction data, maintaining false positive rates at an exceptionally low level through optimized workflows. Their continuous technical refinement consistently provides patients with reliable diagnostic evidence and data-driven support.

Fall and winter respiratory disease prevention is a marathon battle requiring both medical institutions’ professional safeguards and public scientific awareness. When experiencing fever symptoms, proactive nucleic acid testing not only demonstrates personal responsibility but also serves as a critical link in breaking transmission chains. Much like the non-stop operation of testing equipment in laboratories, each precise nucleic acid test reading strengthens our respiratory health defenses, becoming the most reliable “precision sentinels” this autumn and winter.

Supplier

Shanghai Lingjun Biotechnology Co., Ltd. was established in 2016 which is a professional manufacturer of biomagnetic materials and nucleic acid extraction reagents.

We have rich experience in nucleic acid extraction and purification, protein purification, cell separation, chemiluminescence, and other technical fields.

Our products are widely used in many fields, such as medical testing, genetic testing, university research, genetic breeding, and so on. We not only provide products but also can undertake OEM, ODM, and other needs. If you have a related need, please feel free to contact us .