As Europe moves into the autumn and winter months, respiratory virus surveillance and testing preparedness become increasingly important.
Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 continue to contribute to the burden of acute respiratory infections across Europe, while the circulation of respiratory viruses can vary by country and over time. ECDC’s updated 2026 guidance emphasizes the importance of continuous respiratory virus surveillance and preparedness, noting that respiratory virus activity does not always follow a predictable seasonal pattern.
For healthcare providers, pharmacies, laboratories, and other testing settings, this creates a practical question:
How can respiratory testing remain accessible, timely, and flexible as testing needs change?
More Respiratory Viruses, More Testing Needs
Respiratory symptoms often overlap across different viral infections. Fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, and fatigue may be associated with multiple respiratory pathogens, making clinical symptoms alone insufficient to distinguish between them.
At the same time, testing needs are not identical in every setting.
A healthcare facility may need broader respiratory testing.
A pharmacy may require a simple near-patient solution.
A self-testing setting may prioritize convenience and speed.
A testing program may need different levels of panel coverage depending on the population and setting.
This means that a one-size-fits-all testing approach may not always be practical.
Instead, flexibility can be an important part of respiratory testing preparedness.
From Seasonal Preparedness to Testing Readiness
ECDC’s current respiratory surveillance framework highlights the importance of maintaining readiness as respiratory virus activity evolves. The latest EU/EEA surveillance data also show that respiratory virus activity can change over time, reinforcing the value of ongoing monitoring rather than relying on a single seasonal pattern.
For testing providers, preparedness is therefore not simply about having a test available.
It is also about having the right testing options for different situations.
This can include:
Broader multiplex testing when several respiratory viruses need to be considered.
Targeted testing when a more specific combination is required.
Accessible testing formats that can support testing closer to the patient.
And, importantly, solutions that can fit different testing environments without adding unnecessary complexity.
One Respiratory Portfolio, Three Testing Options
To support different respiratory testing needs, Macro & Micro-Test offers a CE 3018 (IVDR)-certified respiratory testing portfolio designed for Self Testing and Near Patient Testing.
The portfolio includes three testing options:
5-in-1 Test: COVID-19 / Influenza A&B / RSV / Adenovirus
Designed for broader respiratory virus detection, the 5-in-1 option brings five major respiratory targets together in one testing solution.
3-in-1 Test: COVID-19 / Influenza A&B
For settings where COVID-19 and influenza are the primary testing focus, the 3-in-1 option provides a more targeted panel.
2-in-1 Test: RSV / Adenovirus
For more specific testing needs, the 2-in-1 option focuses on RSV and adenovirus detection.
Together, these options provide different levels of panel coverage within one respiratory testing portfolio.
Designed for Accessible Testing
Beyond the number of targets, testing format also matters. Macro & Micro-Test’s respiratory testing portfolio supports:
Self Testing & Near Patient Testing
Nasal swab sampling
Results in 15–20 minutes
1T, 2T, 5T and 20T packaging options
These features are intended to support different testing scenarios, from individual testing to community, pharmacy, clinical, and other near-patient settings, providing flexible options that can adapt to different testing needs.
Preparing Before Demand Peaks
Respiratory season preparedness is about more than responding after demand has already increased. It is about considering testing capacity, product availability, workflow, and accessibility before demand reaches its highest levels. This is particularly relevant for settings that may experience changing testing volumes throughout the respiratory season.
A flexible portfolio can help testing providers select different panel configurations according to their needs—while maintaining a consistent approach to sampling, turnaround time, and point-of-care accessibility.
A Practical Approach to Respiratory Season Readiness
As Europe enters another respiratory season, the focus is not simply on asking which virus is circulating.
It is also about asking:
Which viruses do we need to test for?
Where will testing take place?
How quickly are results needed?
Which testing format best fits the setting?
These questions can help shape a more practical and adaptable respiratory testing strategy.
At Macro & Micro-Test, we believe that respiratory diagnostics should be designed around real testing needs—with solutions that are accessible, flexible, and suitable for different settings.
As the respiratory season approaches, we are ready to support partners with a portfolio built around different targets, different settings, and different testing needs.
Respiratory Season Ready. One Portfolio. Three Testing Options.
Macro & Micro-Test
Precise Diagnosis Shapes A Better Life
Post time: Sep-24-2026