Recommendations and laboratory procedures for detection of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in specimens from suspected human cases

Revised August 2007

Contents

1- General information and intended use of this document
2- Specimen collection and handling
3- Laboratory requirements
4- Confirmation of results
5- Available laboratory techniques for detection of influenza A viruses in humans
6- Serological identification of antibodies against avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses
Annex A - Examples of protocols for some available assays to detect A(H5N1) viruses
Annex B - References and additional reading
Annex C - WHO Technical working group on PCR protocols for detection of novel influenza infection in humans (2006-2007)