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.

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)

Sample
Processing:

Indicate specimen/fluid type on requisition.
Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of 
collection.
Maintain sterility and forward promptly to lab.
Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as 
possible.
Submit in leakproof container.
Specimen source is required on requisition for processing.

Sample
Storage:

Refrigerate.

Transport
Instructions:

Coolant packs up to 8 hours.
Place coolant packs into styrofoam container.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Recommend express mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

CPT Code:

87275, 87276

See also:
Viral Culture