Specimen:

Nasopharyngeal Swab/Aspirate/Wash, Tracheal Aspirate, Bronchoalveolar Lavage, Bronchial Wash

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

Collect nasopharyngeal swab in viral transport medium (33595). 
Alternatively, collect tracheal aspirate, bronchoalveolar lavage, 
bronchial wash, or nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate in sterile, leak-proof 
container.

Rejection Criteria:

Sputum or dry swab specimens.

Delivery Instructions:

Transport the specimen to the Microbiology laboratory (6004 BT) 
immediately on ice or refrigerate. From 2245 to 0700, deliver specimen 
to Specimen Control (6240 RCP) on ice.

If the tube system is used, ensure specimens are in leak-proof 
containers that are securely closed and double bagged. Do not send 
traps through the tube system.

Testing Schedule:

0700-1630, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Analytic Time:

Results for respiratory antigen detection by DFA are provided the same 
day if specimen is received in the Microbiology lab by 1430. 
Respiratory virus culture will only be set up if the DFA is negative. 
Culture results are available in 48 h.

Comments:

Screening test for Influenza A (including novel H1N1) and B. 
Sensitivity of the DFA is dependent on adequacy of the specimen.  
Culture will be ordered to confirm negative DFA results.

The influenza A/B antigen detection by DFA and respiratory virus 
culture tests will detect novel influenza A (H1N1) as "influenza A." 
Specimens from hospitalized patients that are positive for influenza A 
will be sent to UHL for subtyping.

See "Viral Culture" for additional specimen collection instructions.

Methodology:

Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA)

CPT Code:

87275, 87276

See also:
Viral Culture

See Additional Information:
Specimens Requiring Immediate Delivery