Report of the 6th meeting of the WHO Working Group on Polymerase Chain Reaction Protocols for Detecting Subtype Influenza A Viruses

1 July 2013

| Meeting report

The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay is both rapid and

sensitive, and is increasingly the first-choice laboratory test for diagnosing and monitoring

influenza infection in both humans and animals. Since its initial application in detecting

A(H5N1) viruses, the assay has been simplified and applied more broadly to both routine

seasonal influenza surveillance and pandemic preparedness activities. As a result, it is vital

that its sensitivity and utility in detecting evolving viruses is maintained, and that laboratories

continue to be supported in their efforts to comply with recommended good operating

practices.

WHO Team

Global Influenza Programme (GIP)

Number of pages

WHO