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Influenza A(H5) testing

Commercial laboratories that can conduct influenza A(H5) testing.

ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø has partnered with some commercial laboratories to expand influenza A(H5) testing capacity in the United States. These laboratory testing companies include:

• ARUP Laboratories
• Labcorp
• Quest Diagnostics

Availability of tests

Clinicians can now order influenza A(H5) tests from ARUP Laboratories, LabCorp, and Quest Diagnostics. This significantly increases access and diagnostic capacity.

Laboratory confirmation

Influenza A(H5) positive specimens should be shipped to ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø for additional testing, regardless of whether the laboratory has approval to confirm specimens.

Shipping Commercial Specimens to ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø

Commercial specimens sent to state public health laboratories/ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø should be shipped in the appropriate packaging and according to laboratory instructions. Store specimens frozen at ≤-70°C and ship on dry ice. Avoid thawing frozen specimens because viability of some viruses can be greatly diminished. All specimens should be labeled clearly and include information requested by ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø.

Shipping instructions

Specimens to be tested for novel influenza A virus that are shipped from laboratories to ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø should include all information required for seasonal influenza surveillance isolate or specimen submission.

Before sending specimens, state and local health departments should contact the ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø Influenza Division Epidemiology and Prevention Branch at (404) 639-3747 Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (or the on-call epidemiologist at (770) 488-7100 at all other times) or [email protected].

Specimen Submission Form

Prior to shipping specimens, please reach out to [email protected] for shipping guidelines. Ship specimens to ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø at the following address:

Send diagnostic samples to:

Marie K. Kirby, Ph.D.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Influenza Division, H23-6 (Unit 198)
c/o STAT
1600 Clifton Rd, NE
Atlanta, GA 30329