Challenges for the laboratory before and during an influenza pandemic.
Laboratory tests that reliably confirm infection with a novel influenza strain are a major component of pandemic planning. Combined nose and throat swabs are the most practical respiratory tract sample to safely obtain from patients. As nucleic acid tests are sensitive, specific and rapid, they will be the diagnostic test of choice during a pandemic. Virus isolation (in laboratories with Physical Containment level 3 facilities) is required for characterisation of the pandemic strain and vaccine development. Antiviral resistance testing may be required if antiviral drugs are used extensively to help control a pandemic. Diagnostic strategies will vary throughout the various pandemic phases.
Dwyer
Dominic E
DE
Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research.
McPhie
Ken A
KA
Ratnamohan
V Mala
VM
Pitman
Catherine N M
CN
D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000592:standards*; D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D040961:Genetic Drift; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D046509:Tissue Culture Techniques
D007252:Influenza Vaccines