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 Francisco Flu Testing | Influenza A/B PCR Lab
Flu Testing for San Francisco, California 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 Francisco
NuWav Laboratories runs molecular Influenza A/B PCR testing for primary care offices, pediatric clinics, and urgent care centers across San Francisco, California. Our PCR-based assay outperforms rapid antigen tests on sensitivity, especially during the early symptomatic window when antigen-negative patients are still infectious.
San Francisco maintains one of the most aggressive municipal public health surveillance programs in the country — including wastewater monitoring for respiratory pathogens — driving demand for confirmatory PCR testing among Bay Area providers.
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 Francisco 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 Francisco Flu Testing Service Area
San Francisco maintains one of the most aggressive municipal public health surveillance programs in the country — including wastewater monitoring for respiratory pathogens — driving demand for confirmatory PCR testing among Bay Area providers.
Neighborhoods Served
- SoMa
- Mission District
- Castro
- Hayes Valley
- Marina
- Pacific Heights
- Nob Hill
- Sunset District
ZIP Codes Served
- 94102
- 94103
- 94104
- 94105
- 94107
- 94108
- 94109
- 94110
- 94114
- 94117
Local Healthcare Partners Near San Francisco
NuWav serves the San Francisco healthcare community, supporting providers affiliated with leading regional health systems in San Francisco County.
UCSF Health
Sutter Health CPMC
Kaiser Permanente
Dignity Health
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
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 Francisco 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 specimen shipment via FedEx Priority Overnight from our regional partner network, so San Francisco 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 Francisco use NuWav for flu testing?
Absolutely. NuWav serves pediatric practices throughout San Francisco, California 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 Francisco Flu Testing
Contact us today to set up flu testing for your San Francisco, CA practice. Specimen logistics, EMR integration, and reimbursement support included.
Medically reviewed by
NuWav Laboratories Medical Director