Thanks. I was curious because I've never had an actual test for the flu. However, I have had a PCR test for hepatitis after a bout of food poisoning. My HMO got

Thanks. I was curious because I've never had an actual test for the flu. However, I have had a PCR test for hepatitis after a bout of food poisoning. My HMO got back to me pretty quick with that test, so I'm guessing whatever lab they use has the necessary gear. Thus, I was curious as to whether or not my HMO could quickly retool its testing center with the right equipment to test for this flu virus. I did a bit more research and it does look like the swine flu test is PCR based. However, it looks like there's only one vendor for this particular test. Indeed it does look like samples must be shipped out to labs which have the right equipment.