Pandemic Influenza: Laboratory Information
Procedures for specimen collection, handling, and shipping during a pandemic will be the same as those used for seasonal disease surveillance. However, laboratory staff should anticipate shipping a much larger number of specimens in a very short time, especially during the early stages of a pandemic.
Once the pandemic is underway and healthcare providers rely on clinical criteria and rapid test kits, more diagnostic activities may be conducted and fewer shipments may be needed.
At present, test kits can be ordered through Marion County Health Department or from the Oregon State Public Health Lab.
To order test kits from Marion County Health Department, call (503) 588-5621 or fax your request to (503) 566-2920.
To order test kits from the Oregon State Public Health Lab, consult their website at
http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/acd/flu/labflu.shtml
Guidelines for Collecting and Shipping Specimens for Influenza Diagnostics
CD Summary Dec 27, 2005- Avian Influenza Testing