Specimen Collection and Laboratory Testing for Avian H5N1 Influenza
Suspect case? Testing must be arranged through the MDH epidemiologist. Call 651-201-5414 or 1-877-676-5414 , anytime.
The MDH Public Health Laboratory (PHL) can do initial PCR tests on any suspect H5N1 samples. Do not attempt to perform viral culture. Culture for H5N1 should only be done at BSL3+ or BSL4 facility.
On this page:
Specimen collection
Paperwork
Shipping
Questions?
Specimen collection
Preferred specimen (required):
- 2 throat swabs (also called oropharyngeal swabs)
Use a dacron or rayon swab with a plastic or aluminum shaft. Store specimens in viral transport media.
Additional specimens:
- 1 nasopharyngeal (NP) swab or nasal wash or aspirate
Use a dacron or rayon swab with a plastic or aluminum shaft. Store specimens in viral transport media. - Tracheal aspirate (if intubated)
- Other respiratory specimens obtained as part of clinical care may be submitted (BAL, pleural fluid, etc.)
- Other specimens may be requested, depending on clinical presentation
The H5N1 virus replicates well in the lower respiratory track, so throat swabs and lower respiratory specimens (e.g., bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL]or tracheal aspirates) are more suitable specimens than nasal or NP swabs. Note: while lower respiratory tract specimens are recommended, it is recognized that these specimens are more difficult to collect than throat swabs.
Hold specimens at 4°C (39°F) until transport to MDH Laboratory can be arranged.
Specimens will be used for H5N1 evaluation and may be used for evaluation of other respiratory pathogens by PCR at MDH including other influenza, adenovirus, parainfluenza, RSV, human metapneumovirus, Legionella spp., M. pneumoniae, and C. pneumoniae).
Infection control during specimen collection
- Full Barrier Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with N95 Respirator or
- Full
Barrier Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with Powered Air Purifying
Respirator (PAPR)
Use full barrier precautions when obtaining respiratory specimens. Consider use of a positive air purifying respirator (PAPR) for procedures that may generate aerosols.
Paperwork
Please include a Viral Specimen Submission Form (see below) with each sample.
Please note there is no fee sticker required for avian influenza testing.
Shipping
- Use a cold pack to keep specimens at 4 degrees C.
- Mail to:
| Minnesota Department of Health Public Health Laboratory Attn: Biological Accessioning 601 Robert St. N. St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-2531 |
Questions?
- For an MDH epidemiologist, call 651-201-5414 or 1-877-676-5414.
- For specimen handling questions, call 651-201-4953.
- For the Virology Supervisor at 651-201-5255, or the MDH Public Health Virology Laboratory, call 651-201-5247.
More laboratory influenza information
- Laboratory Influenza Information
The MDH Public Health Laboratory (PHL) tests influenza samples from across the state to monitor the strains of influenza that are circulating in the state each flu season. Some samples are sent to CDC for further testing and sub-typing.
- MLS Influenza Information
Links from the Minnesota Laboratory System about influenza, both seasonal and avian.
