--- title: Clinical Laboratories Testing for Multiple Respiratory Viruses description: Clinical labs face demand for different types of testing. 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In addition, this year labs have had to prepare for a potential “perfect storm” of testing for influenza A, influenza B, and RSV along with COVID-19. [Clinical Lab Products (CLP) magazine published an article](https://clpmag.com/disease-states/infectious-diseases/flu-respiratory-infections/covid-in-the-time-of-flu-season/) discussing the possibility of a COVID-flu “twindemic” or even a triple COVID-flu-RSV season. From fall 2020 until summer 2021, flu cases were dramatically down compared to prior years. However, the 2021-2022 flu season could be different. Lack of exposure to influenza last season may mean waning immunity, and as people are gathering again, the potential for transmission of respiratory viruses increases. Experts have indicated it is likely flu is coming back, but they are unsure how bad this season could become.1 Currently, the [CDC reports](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) influenza activity remains low nationally but continues to increase, and the relative contribution of flu to respiratory illness varies by location. Considering the potential testing needs for multiple respiratory viruses, labs are having to be proactive as they prepare. This may involve evaluating tests that can differentiate between viruses and considering implementation of multiplex testing for a combination of respiratory pathogens. Clinical labs are having to face fluctuating demand for different types of testing along with staff shortages and supply chain issues. Unreliable or poorly performing cold storage equipment is the last thing a lab manager should have to worry about. Fortunately, there are cold storage solutions that maintain precise temperature ranges, perform reliably, and even consume less energy than conventional models. GX Solutions professional medical-grade refrigerators and freezers provide reliable temperature-controlled storage for patient specimens, reagents, and controls. Powered by OptiCool™ technology, our next generation models pair variable capacity compressors with natural hydrocarbon refrigerants, delivering a reliable storage option to safeguard your stored materials. Only professional medical-grade laboratory freezers deliver optimized control in three important areas: - Temperature management to safeguard stored products, including excellent uniformity, recovery, and stability - Noise management to provide a more comfortable working environment for staff - Energy management to reduce operating costs and support facility sustainability initiatives ##### Other Blogs You Might Be Interested In...  - [Video: How to Achieve a Quieter Working Environment in Your Lab](https://blog.helmerinc.com/video-achieve-quieter-working-environment-lab) - [Cost Effective Centrifugation for Lipemic Samples](https://blog.helmerinc.com/centrifugation-for-lipemic-samples) - [GX Solutions Refrigerators Support Sustainability & Reduce Cost of Ownership](https://blog.helmerinc.com/support-sustainability-reduce-cost) - [High Performance Storage for Current and Leftover Specimens](https://blog.helmerinc.com/high-performance-storage-for-specimens) Helmer Scientific supports clinical laboratories, the patients they serve, and their efforts to ensure accurate test results. We would like to express our gratitude to all staff involved in the diagnostic testing that is essential for treating patients and saving lives. We are here to help you properly store your critical materials. [![Learn More »](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1862406/5c468be5-5697-4258-abed-28ac4c96de35.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1862406/5c468be5-5697-4258-abed-28ac4c96de35) 1Doheny, Kathleen, "[This Year's Flu Season: Repeat of Last Year or a ‘Twindemic](https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20211119/this-years-flu-season-what-to-know)?’," WebMD (accessed 12/15/2021) ![Colleen Holtkamp](https://blog.helmerinc.com/hubfs/Blog/authors/ColleenHoltkamp.jpg) ### Written by [Colleen Holtkamp](https://blog.helmerinc.com/author/colleen-holtkamp) Helmer designs, manufactures, and markets specialized medical and laboratory equipment to customers in more than 125 countries. With an extensive background in Helmer products, Colleen’s focus is on the Clinical Laboratory and Blood Bank segments. #### Share or write a comment! 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