Below are numbers of tests/tecniques help in the laboratory diagnostic of influenza. The techiques are classified as a 
direct and indirect diagnostic techniques. A Direct laboratory methods are direct immunofluorescence, ELISA, antigen capture and cells staining with monoclonal antibody that will detect viral particles, viral antigens, and viral genomes directly.
The indirect laboratory techniques are when the samples be inoculated in cell cultures, eggs, animals for growing the virus. But nowdays, molecular techniques are being popularly used for influenza virus diagnostics since it has sensitivity and quick turnround time such as RT-PCR, multiplex PCR, real time RT-PCR, NASBA (Nucleic Acid Based Amplification), and LAMP (Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification).
We provide you in this following table various techniques used for the laboratory diagnosis of the influenza virus.
| Procedure | Flu Type | Specimen Allowed | Resulting Time |
| Viral Culture | A and B | Naso Pharingeal (NP)swab, throat swab, nasal wash, bronchial wash, nasal aspirate, sputum | 3-10 days |
| Immuno- fluorescence |
A and B | NP swab, nasal wash, bronchial wash, nasal aspirate, sputum | 2-4 hours |
| RT-PCR | A and B | NP swab, throat swab, nasal wash, bronchial wash, nasal aspirate, sputum | 2-4 hours |
| Serology | A and B | paired acute and convalescent serum samples | 2 weeks or more |
| Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) Rapid Detection tests (using kits) | A and B | NP swab, throat swab, nasal wash, bronchial wash | 2 hours |
| Directigen flu A | A | NP wash, and aspirate | Less than 30 minutes |
