Influenza virus PCR

• Sentinel provider network and EIP providers submissions
• Specimens positive for Influenza A may reflex to Influenza A subtyping
• Specimens positive for Influenza B may reflex to Influenza B lineage testing

Lab Web Portal

TDH DLS Requisition: PH-4149 Influenza and Viral Respiratory Panel 

Patient Preparation

• None
  

• Acceptable Specimen Types:

- Nasopharyngeal swab in VTM, UTM, and/or Saline

- Nasal swab in VTM, UTM, and/or Saline

• Specimen should be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, specimen source and match accompanying requisition or electronic order. 

• None
  

• Store specimens at 2-30°C and ship overnight on icepacks.
• If testing will be delayed more than 72 hours, specimens in VTM or UTM should be frozen at -70°C or colder.
• Specimens in saline should not be frozen.
• Specimens stored at 2- 30°C must be received by the laboratory within 72 hours of collection.

• Ship specimens to arrive at the laboratory Tuesday - Friday.  
• Ship unfrozen specimens on icepacks. 
• Ship frozen specimens on dry ice. 
• Specimens must be placed in an individual biohazard bag with absorbent material. 
• All infectious substance shipments must conform to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR 49 C.F.R Parts 171-180).

• The following specimens will be rejected and reported as "unsatisfactory":

           - Specimens that broke or leaked in transit

           - No specimen was in the container submitted

           - Improper specimen type submitted

           - Specimen was received at improper temperature

           - Improper labeling of specimen

           -Unfrozen VTM/UTM specimens or saline specimens received after 72 hours                of collection

• Nashville