Higher Sensitivity Than Rapid Antigen
PCR detects influenza RNA directly, catching cases that rapid antigen tests miss — especially in the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
San Antonio Flu Testing | Influenza A/B PCR Lab
Flu Testing for San Antonio, Texas healthcare providers. CLIA certified, 24-48 hours turnaround. Medicare and Medicaid accepted.
CLIA Certified
HIPAA Compliant
24-48hr Results
Medicare/Medicaid
About Our Flu Testing in San Antonio
NuWav Laboratories runs molecular Influenza A/B PCR testing for primary care offices, pediatric clinics, and urgent care centers across San Antonio, Texas. Our PCR-based assay outperforms rapid antigen tests on sensitivity, especially during the early symptomatic window when antigen-negative patients are still infectious.
San Antonio's South Texas Medical Center spans 900 acres and houses 75 major medical-related institutions — including military medical training at Fort Sam Houston, which generates unique high-volume testing requirements.
Multiplex real-time RT-PCR detection of Influenza A and Influenza B with subtype differentiation. Specimens accepted: nasopharyngeal swab, anterior nares swab, and oropharyngeal swab in viral transport media. Internal RNase P control on every run.
Why San Antonio Healthcare Providers Choose NuWav
A/B Subtype Differentiation
Our multiplex PCR distinguishes Influenza A from Influenza B in a single run, supporting targeted antiviral decisions.
Insurance Friendly
Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial plans cover symptomatic flu testing with no balance billing for in-network patients.
San Antonio Flu Testing Service Area
San Antonio's South Texas Medical Center spans 900 acres and houses 75 major medical-related institutions — including military medical training at Fort Sam Houston, which generates unique high-volume testing requirements.
Neighborhoods Served
- Downtown
- King William
- Southtown
- Alamo Heights
- Stone Oak
- Pearl District
- Monte Vista
- Olmos Park
ZIP Codes Served
- 78201
- 78202
- 78203
- 78204
- 78205
- 78207
- 78209
- 78212
- 78215
- 78230
Local Healthcare Partners Near San Antonio
NuWav serves the San Antonio healthcare community, supporting providers affiliated with leading regional health systems in Bexar County.
University Health
Methodist Healthcare
Baptist Health System
Christus Santa Rosa Health System
University of Texas Health San Antonio
NuWav Laboratories is an independent CLIA certified clinical laboratory. Mention of regional health systems indicates the geographic service area; no endorsement or affiliation is implied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions from healthcare providers about NuWav testing services.
Can NuWav distinguish Influenza A from Influenza B?
Yes. Our multiplex Influenza A/B PCR assay differentiates Influenza A from Influenza B in a single run, supporting targeted antiviral decisions for San Antonio providers. Subtype information is included on every result report.
How does PCR flu testing compare to rapid antigen flu tests?
PCR detects influenza viral RNA directly with significantly higher sensitivity than rapid antigen tests, particularly in the first 48 hours of symptom onset when antigen tests frequently produce false negatives. NuWav's PCR is the diagnostic standard for confirming or ruling out influenza.
How long does flu PCR take at NuWav?
Influenza A/B PCR results are returned in 24–48 hours from specimen receipt at our Carrollton, TX lab. Overnight courier service from our Carrollton lab with next-business-day specimen receipt for San Antonio providers, so San Antonio providers typically see results within two business days of collection.
Is flu PCR testing covered by insurance?
Yes. Symptomatic Influenza A/B PCR testing is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance plans. NuWav bills insurance directly and offers transparent self-pay pricing for uninsured patients.
What specimens do you accept for flu testing?
We accept nasopharyngeal swabs, anterior nares swabs, and oropharyngeal swabs collected in viral transport media. Specimens should be refrigerated immediately after collection and held at 2–8°C until courier pickup or shipment to our lab.
Can pediatric clinics in San Antonio use NuWav for flu testing?
Absolutely. NuWav serves pediatric practices throughout San Antonio, Texas with kid-friendly anterior nares collection options that minimize procedural distress while maintaining PCR-grade sensitivity. Pediatric supply kits are available with every courier account.
Do you also test for COVID and RSV from the same specimen?
Yes. NuWav can run COVID-19, Influenza A/B, and RSV PCR from a single nasopharyngeal swab collected at the same patient visit. Ordering all three is the most efficient workflow during respiratory virus season — call 972-327-8857 to set up combined ordering.
Partner With NuWav for San Antonio Flu Testing
Contact us today to set up flu testing for your San Antonio, TX practice. Specimen logistics, EMR integration, and reimbursement support included.
Medically reviewed by
NuWav Laboratories Medical Director