An alternative type of testing is with a ‘molecular assay’, which is more accurate than RITDs, because it detects viral RNA or nucleic acids in respiratory specimens. This type of testing includes rapid molecular assays, RT-PCR and other nucleic acid amplification tests. Molecular tests are mostly used in hospitals, some are able to detect both influenza A and B. Others can identify different subtypes. The ‘molecular assays’ are more accurate and sensitive than RIDTs, but the time-to-result may be several hours.<ref name="Arti28">Diagnosing Flu, CDC, 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/testing.htm</ref><ref name="Arti29">Information on Rapid Molecular Assays, RT-PCR, and other Molecular Assays for Diagnosis of Influenza Virus Infection, CDC, 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/diagnosis/molecular-assays.htm</ref>

==Safety==