Influenza A (H5) Virus RNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR, Respiratory
Test Code
Clinical Significance
Influenza A (H5) Virus RNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR, Respiratory - The Influenza A (H5) Virus RNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR is a qualitative multi-target molecular diagnostic test that aids in the detection of the Influenza A H5 virus, including H5N1, commonly known as Avian Influenza. This test does not detect Influenza B or other respiratory viruses. This test is intended to be performed on respiratory specimens collected from individuals suspected of infection with Influenza A H5, or who meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clinical and/or epidemiological criteria for Influenza A H5N1 testing. For details visit:
Test Resources
Test Details
Methodology
This test is not available for New York patient testing.
Reference Range(s)
| Influenza A | Not detected |
| Influenza H5 | Not detected |
Alternative Name(s)
Preferred Specimen(s)
1 swab nasopharyngeal, anterior nares, or oropharyngeal swab submitted in a VCM (green-cap), or equivalent (UTM) tube or
1 mL bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL)/wash collected in a sterile leak-proof container
Minimum Volume
1 swab • 1 mL
Collection Instructions
Each Influenza A H5 specimen should be accompanied by its own separate requisition and transported in its own sealed bag. If swabbing multiple upper respiratory sites, it is acceptable to place multiple swabs into one vial of VCM or equivalent. This test is not approved for observed-self collection at Quest Patient Service Centers.
Transport Container
VCM, UTM equivalent or Plastic leak-proof container
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria
Tubes containing guanidinium isothiocyanate (GITC) • Calcium alginate swabs • Cotton swabs with wooden shaft • Amies liquid or gel transport used for bacterial cultures • Tubes with clot activator • Glass tubes • Snap-cap tubes • 3D printed swabs
Setup Schedule
1 mL bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL)/wash collected in a sterile leak-proof container
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days