Influenza PCR including A, B, Avian, H1N1

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Virology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

RPAN

Test Code (Numeric Code)

8312

Laboratory Handling

Transport

NPS is stable at ambient temperature if they will be received within 24 hours of collection. If transport exceeds 24 hours, transport chilled at 2–8°C.

Laboratory

Respiratory samples should be sent to the Molecular Infectious Diseases section at ambient temperature on the day of collection during normal working hours, Monday to Friday (08:00–16:00). After hours and on weekends, specimens should be stored at 2–8°C in the designated box/rack.

Sample Stability

Swabs, bronchial wash, tracheal aspirate is stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days, should be frozen after 7 days.

Synonyms

Influenza haemagglutinin typing.

Turnaround Time

4 days

Specimen Type

  • Bronchial Washing
  • Nasopharyngeal Swab
  • Throat Swab
  • Tracheal Aspirate

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Swab - Viral PCR
Acceptable
  • Please refer to Additional Information below
  • Swab - Viral PCR

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Swab - Viral PCR
Acceptable
  • Please refer to Additional Information below
  • Swab - Viral PCR

Additional Specimen Information

Sample requirement:
NPS: collected in UTM/VTM.
Bronchial wash and Tracheal aspirate; 1 mL

Last updated: 28/08/2026