Influenza, avian - H7N9

Alphabetical Test listing

Influenza, avian - H7N9-994

Call the MN Department of Health at (651) 201-5414 prior to sample collection.

  
Influenza, avian - H7N9
  
994
  
LAB994
  
MSO
  
Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab
  
  

Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab collection:

  1. Tip the patient’s head back.
  2. Gently insert the NP swab into the nostril parallel to the palate (not upwards) until resistance is encountered or the distance is equivalent to that from the ear to the nostril of the patient, indicating contact with the nasopharynx.   
    1. If any resistance is met in the passageways, do not force the swab; back off and try reinserting it at a different angle, closer to the floor of the nasal canal, or try the other nostril.
  3. Gently rub and roll the swab for 10-15 seconds while the swab is in contact with the nasopharyngeal wall.
  4. The CDC recommends leaving the swab in place for several seconds to absorb secretions.
  5. Slowly remove the swab and place in the transport medium.
  6. Break the swab shaft so that it fits into the medium container and recap tightly.
  7. Label the specimen appropriately. Document the source “NP” on the label.

New England Journal of Medicine video on NP swab collection: Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection Video

 

  

Submit entire specimen

  

MicroTest M4-RT transport media vial/tube or M5 Media

  
Nasopharyngeal aspirate
  
  

Refrigerated

  
  • Swabs collected and/or transported in non-sterile containers, baggies
  • Dry swabs
  
MN Department of Health (MDH): R-NX
  
Commercially available rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) may not detect novel flu (such as H7N9) virus in respiratory specimens.
  
07/10/2013
  
12/29/2023
  
12/29/2023