Seasonal Influenza Virus Detection

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Brief Description

Influenza Polymerase Chain Reaction
Virus Culture

Laboratory Unit

Virology

Methodology

Real-Time RT-PCR
Virus Culture

Specimen Collection

Seasonal Influenza Kit

The MSPHL will supply influenza kits to sentinel providers and for outbreak assistance for the influenza transmission season.  These kits are routinely supplied to sentinel site providers at the start of the influenza transmission season, and are available for outbreak testing by request.  Requests for influenza testing from non-sentinel sites should be made directly to the laboratory or the State Influenza Coordinator.

Collection of Seasonal Influenza Specimens

Storage/Transport

Submission of Seasonal Influenza Specimens

Acceptable Specimen
Type(s)

Nasal swab
Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab
Throat swab

Test Request Form(s)

Virology Test Request Form

Possible Results

Negative
Positive for influenza A (subtype)
Influenza A Virus Detected
Inconclusive
Unsatisfactory
Influenza B

Reference Range

Negative

Unacceptable Conditions

Received warm
Improperly identified
Not meeting laboratory testing criteria
Specimen not in viral transport medium
Incorrect specimen type

Interfering Substances

Use only viral transport medium and synthetic Dacron/flocked swab or equivalent.  Do not use wooden shaft or cotton swab.

Result Reported

rRT-PCR - Normally reported on Thursdays.

Virus Culture - Up to 14 days

Fees

None - Available to influenza sentinel providers and outbreak investigations only.  Routine testing for influenza infection is not provided.

CPT Codes

N/A

LOINC/SNOMED Codes

N/A

Additional Information

CDC Seasonal Flu