Influenza virus PCR

• ILI-Net Sentinel Provider Network and EIP Surveillance Network Submissions ONLY
• Specimens positive for Influenza A may be reflexed for additional subtyping and characterization

Patient Preparation

• None
  

• Acceptable Specimen Types:

- Nasopharyngeal swab in VTM or UTM

- Nasal swab in VTM or UTM

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

• None
  

• Store specimens at 2-8°C and ship overnight on icepacks.
• If testing will be delayed more than 72 hours, specimens should be frozen at -70°C or colder.
• Specimens stored at 2-8°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 specimens received after 72 hours of collection

• Nashville