Detection and (zoonotic) subtyping of influenza A and B by qPCR (Sciensano)

Description of the test

RT-qPCR for typing and (zoonotic) subtyping of influenza A and B (Sciensano)

Purpose of the test

Typing (influenza A and B) and (zoonotic) subtyping of influenza A (H1, H2, H3, H5, H7, H9, etc. & N1, N2, N9, etc.) and influenza B (Yamagata or Victoria)

Criteria for conducting this test under the reference activities 

Confirmation of a positive or undetermined result for influenza.

First line diagnosis in case of:

• Severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) with ARDS, ECMO or death​
• Influenza syndrome after influenza vaccination (possible case of “vaccine failure”)
• Suspicion of antiviral resistance
• Influenza syndrome upon return from abroad

 If a patient has been exposed to infected, sick or dead animals and shows symptoms consistent with zoonotic influenza. See also: https://www.sciensano.be/nl/faq-zoonotische-influenza

Instructions for samples

Sample types: 

• nasopharyngeal swab
• bronchial aspirate
• broncho-alveolar lavage liquid

Use a sterile tube with VTM (virus transport medium).

Minimal quantity: 500 µl.

Storage:

Samples should be stored refrigerated (2-8°C, if <24h) before shipment. 

In case of shipment > 24h, store at -20°C or -70°C.

Instructions for transport​

• Samples stored at 2-8°C can be transported at room temperature.
• Samples stored at -20°C or -70°C should be transported on dry ice.
• Transport time should be as short as possible (avoid transport during weekends and official holidays). ​
• Transport samples using a hermetically closed recipient, triple packaging.

Inacceptable requests

The test analysis will not be performed in case of:

• Insufficient or inappropriate sample
• Inappropriate storage or transport
• Uncompleted request form
• Request not compliant with the criteria ​

Samples are stored for a maximum period of 1 year for other testing (re-test), if sufficient sample is available.

Reporting of test results

A report is sent by LIMS using e-mail, fax or regular post.