Does Paediatric Urgent Care Offer Bedside COVID, Flu, and RSV Testing?
I. Introduction
Respiratory illnesses are among the most common reasons children require medical attention. COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are particularly significant because they can range from mild discomfort to severe complications, especially in infants, toddlers, and children with underlying health conditions. Timely diagnosis is crucial not only for effective treatment but also to prevent the spread of infections to family members, classmates, and the broader community.
Over the past few years, the demand for rapid testing in children has grown tremendously. Parents often seek convenient options that provide immediate answers without the need for lengthy appointments or hospital visits. This is where paediatric urgent care centres step in, offering bedside testing for common respiratory viruses. For example, Spokane Pediatric Urgent Care website has developed a workflow that allows children to receive testing for COVID-19, flu, and RSV right at the point of care. Their approach is child-friendly and efficient, designed to minimise anxiety while delivering rapid, reliable results. Families benefit from receiving guidance on treatment or next steps immediately, rather than waiting for lab results to return days later.
This article explores everything parents need to know about paediatric urgent care and bedside testing, including what tests are available, when urgent care is appropriate, and how clinics prioritise both speed and safety.
II. Understanding Bedside Testing in Paediatric Urgent Care
Bedside testing refers to diagnostic tests performed directly where the patient is being evaluated, such as in an urgent care exam room, rather than sending samples to an external laboratory. For respiratory illnesses, this often means swabs taken from the nose or throat that provide results within minutes to an hour.
Types of Bedside Tests
Rapid antigen tests: Detect viral proteins; results in 15–30 minutes.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests: Detect viral genetic material; results in under an hour in some urgent care settings.
Multiplex assays: Test simultaneously for multiple viruses (COVID, flu, RSV) from a single swab.
Advantages of Bedside Testing
Immediate results: Parents and clinicians can make informed decisions without delay.
Faster treatment: Early diagnosis allows for timely antiviral medications or supportive care.
Reduced stress: Fewer visits and waiting periods mean children experience less anxiety.
Infection control: Rapid identification of contagious illnesses helps prevent transmission within the clinic and at home.
By integrating bedside testing, paediatric urgent care centres offer a practical solution for busy families, particularly during peak respiratory illness seasons.
III. COVID-19 Testing for Children
Recognising Symptoms
Children with COVID-19 may present differently than adults. Common symptoms include:
Fever or chills
Cough or sore throat
Nasal congestion
Fatigue
Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea)
In some cases, children may be asymptomatic but still contagious, making testing important for exposure management.
Types of COVID Tests in Urgent Care
Rapid antigen tests:
Quick (15–30 minutes)
Less invasive, often a nasal swab
Ideal for immediate decisions (school clearance, family exposure)
PCR tests:
Higher accuracy
Detects even small amounts of viral genetic material
Results can be available within hours in some urgent care settings
Safety and Comfort
Clinicians use smaller swabs or child-friendly collection methods.
Distraction techniques and gentle explanations reduce anxiety.
Infection control includes separate waiting areas for symptomatic children.
IV. Influenza (Flu) Testing in Paediatric Urgent Care
Why Flu Testing Matters
Influenza can progress quickly in children and may cause complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, or dehydration. Rapid diagnosis is critical for administering antiviral medications within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs)
Usually nasal or throat swabs
Results within 15–30 minutes
Help distinguish flu from other respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms
When Testing is Recommended
High fever
Severe cough or fatigue
Children with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes
Outbreaks in schools or daycare
Benefits of On-the-Spot Diagnosis
Early initiation of antivirals
Advice for home care and isolation
Prevention of transmission to siblings and peers
V. RSV Testing for Children
Understanding RSV
RSV is a common virus in young children, particularly under two years of age. Severe cases can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia, especially in premature infants or those with heart or lung conditions.
Indications for RSV Testing
Persistent cough and wheezing
Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
High-risk infants or children with chronic health issues
Bedside RSV Testing
Rapid antigen detection tests
Swabs are typically nasal
Results in 15–30 minutes, allowing immediate clinical decisions
Follow-Up
Mild cases: supportive care at home
Severe cases: urgent care can coordinate hospital referrals if necessary
VI. Combined or Multiplex Testing
What is Multiplex Testing?
Multiplex tests analyse a single sample for multiple pathogens—COVID, flu, and RSV—simultaneously.
Advantages
Fewer swabs: Only one sample needed
Quicker results: Simultaneous detection saves time
Improved treatment decisions: Clinicians know exactly which virus is responsible
Better public health management: Identifies circulating viruses quickly
VII. Who Should Consider Urgent Care for Respiratory Testing
Appropriate Scenarios
Mild to moderate symptoms that need fast diagnosis
Need for school or daycare clearance
Exposure to someone confirmed positive for COVID or flu
Symptoms that develop outside primary care office hours
Red Flags for Emergency Care
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Blue lips or fingertips
Dehydration (little or no urine, dry mouth)
Unresponsiveness or severe lethargy
Persistent high fever
Urgent care is an ideal first step for most children, but emergency departments are necessary for severe or life-threatening cases.
VIII. Preparing Your Child for Bedside Testing
Tips for Reducing Anxiety
Explain the procedure in age-appropriate terms: “A small swab to see what’s making you sick.”
Bring comfort items like a favourite toy or blanket.
Practice deep breathing or counting exercises.
Offer positive reinforcement and reassurance after testing.
Parents play a critical role in helping children feel safe and cooperative during testing. Calm guidance ensures accurate samples and reduces distress.
IX. Safety Protocols in Paediatric Urgent Care
Infection Control Measures
Designated areas for symptomatic children
Mandatory hand hygiene and sanitisation
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff
Regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces
Balancing Speed and Safety
Urgent care clinics are trained to provide rapid testing while protecting other patients, especially vulnerable infants or children with chronic conditions.
X. Benefits of Choosing Urgent Care over Other Settings
Compared to Primary Care
Same-day appointments
Faster diagnosis for acute symptoms
Extended hours, including evenings and weekends
Compared to Emergency Departments
Less crowded, child-friendly environment
Shorter wait times
Focused on non-life-threatening conditions
Cost and Convenience
Typically lower cost than emergency care
Rapid testing avoids multiple visits
Efficient triage ensures children receive appropriate care promptly
XI. Limitations and Considerations
Accuracy of Rapid Tests
False negatives are possible, especially early in infection
PCR tests are more reliable if symptoms persist
Confirmatory Testing
Urgent care clinicians may recommend follow-up testing
Positive results allow immediate action, but negative results may require monitoring
Insurance and Costs
Most urgent care centres accept insurance, but coverage may vary
Out-of-pocket costs may apply for certain rapid tests
XII. Conclusion
Paediatric urgent care provides an accessible and efficient option for parents seeking rapid diagnosis of COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Bedside testing allows clinicians to make timely decisions, provide appropriate treatment, and advise on home care or school attendance. Centres like Spokane Pediatric Urgent Care exemplify how child-focused clinics combine rapid testing with safety, comfort, and expert guidance.
For families, urgent care represents a middle ground between primary care and emergency departments—offering immediate answers, professional care, and peace of mind. By understanding the types of tests available, when to seek care, and how to prepare children for testing, parents can confidently navigate respiratory illness seasons, ensuring their children receive prompt and effective medical attention.