D is for Diagnostics: How do we know when a respiratory infection is caused by RSV? | The A–Z of RSV

D is for Diagnostics How do we know when a respiratory infection is caused by RSV? And how has RSV testing changed over time? In this episode of The A–Z of RSV, host Lieke de Vrankrijker is joined by Professor Peter Richmond, paediatrician and paediatric immunologist from Perth, Australia, to explore the role of diagnostics in RSV. They discuss why RSV can be difficult to identify based on symptoms alone, how diagnostic testing has evolved from early laboratory methods to PCR and rapid tests, and how the COVID-19 pandemic changed respiratory virus testing. They also consider the role of testing in primary care and at home, and why accurate diagnosis is important for patient care, public health surveillance and understanding the impact of RSV prevention. The conversation also looks ahead to some of the remaining questions in RSV diagnostics, including how long people remain infectious and how clinicians can recognise secondary bacterial infections. The A–Z of RSV is a ReSViNET podcast series exploring RSV from A to Z with researchers, clinicians and experts from around the world. Stay up to date with the podcast series by subscribing to the RSV newsletter: https://resvinet.org/sign-up-newsletter/ For more information about ReSViNET, go to www.resvinet.org. This podcast episode is supported by GSK. Guests on this podcast are invited for their expertise and experience. Any views, opinions, or interpretations expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the ReSViNET Foundation, the podcast producers, their employers, or any affiliated organisations. Discussions are intended to support education and informed debate based on current evidence and scientific understanding. The content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be regarded as official guidance, organisational policy, or professional advice.