Collecting, preserving and shipping specimens for the diagnosis of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection.
Guide for field operations
October 2006
WHO/CDS/EPR/ARO/2006.1
This document is a work in progress and is based on the best information available at the time of production. The document will be updated regularly as more information becomes available.
Download Full Document
Download Document in Separate Parts
-
Main Text - Chapters 1 to 7
pdf, 254kb -
Annex 1 - Links to key documents
pdf, 15kb -
Annex 2 - Checklist for specimen handling and shipment
pdf, 20kb -
Annex 3 - Form to accompany specimens shipped by air
pdf, 14kb -
Annex 4 - Content of WHO AI Investigation Kit
pdf, 13kb -
Annex 5 - Hand hygiene technique
pdf, 131kb -
Annex 6 - Respiratory protection
pdf, 65kb -
Annex 7 - Disinfection
pdf, 28kb -
Annex 8 - Viral transport media (VTM)
pdf, 24kb -
Annex 9 - Field data sheets
pdf, 213kb - Annex 10 -Guidance on regulations for the Transport of Infectious Substances
-
Annex 11 - Dry shippers
pdf, 54kb -
Annex 12 - Samples from animals and the environment
pdf, 30kb
Contents
Abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. Safety
3. Taking specimens from patients and contacts
4. Storing specimens
5. Taking aliquots of specimens
6. Packing specimens and shipping them by air
7. References
Annex 1 - Links to key documents
Annex 2 - Checklist for specimen handling and shipment
Annex 3 - Form to accompany specimens shipped by air
Annex 4 - Content of the AI investigation kit
Annex 5 - Hand hygiene technique
Annex 6 - Respiratory protection
Annex 7 - Disinfection
Annex 8 - Viral transport medium (VTM)
Annex 9 - Field data sheets
Annex 10 - Guidance on regulations for the Transport of Infectious Substances
Annex 11 - Dry shippers
Annex 12 - Samples from animals and the environment