   | Pages: 18; Description: The training module provides facilitator notes for training on lab kits, use of rapid detection tests, and packaging/shipping and handling of samples. Abstract: The objectives of the training module are: 1) understand why it is important to collect and submit samples for testing; 2) list all of the items in the laboratory kit; 3) correctly perform a rapid diagnostic test for avian influenza on birds; 4) understand how to package and prepare samples for transport to an in-country laboratory; 5) understand proper disposal techniques. Participant handouts for this course can be found in http://avianflu.aed.org/training.htm. |
|
 | Pages: 96; Description: Each summary contains the following: responsible institution; focal person; overall goals of the training; target audience and competencies; main topics included; format; language; length of training; certification if provided; evaluation modalities, countries where implemented, summary of evaluation results and successes and challenges. Abstract: This compendium aims to provide a wide ranging inventory of material, tools and trainings developed by Influenza Training Network partners to, among others, raise awareness on pandemic influenza preparedness measures, community case management, infection prevention and control, laboratory, risk communication, surveillance and outbreak investigation. |
|
 | Description: Guide for field operations Abstract: The protocol discusses the specimen collection, packing and shipment, allowing ease of use at field level and to provide the data needed to confirm the diagnosis of A(H5N1) infection. The document describes the minimum number and types of specimen collected; enhances the chances of obtaining a positive result if the patient is infected with A(H5N1); allow the potential identification of respiratory pathogens other than A(H5N1); contribute to work designed to increase understanding of the pathogenesis if A(H5N1) disease including the potential duration of infectiousness. |
|
 | Pages: 326; Description: The training course requires 35-hours (5 days) of direct contact with facilitators. The course will enable facilitators to deliver appropriate professional training programmes and strategies for the prevention and control of human seasonal influenza. Abstract: The course contains 10 modules which can be delivered in a modular format or as a discrete course. Contents are: 1) introduction to the programme; 2) human seasonal influenza programme planning; 3) surveillance systems and epidemiological studies; 4) laboratory issues; 5) human seasonal influenza policy; 6) vaccination; 7) targeting priority groups; 8) communication; 9) evaluation and research of seasonal human influenza; and 10) action planning. |
|
 | Pages: 44; Description: This workbook contains resources for advanced reading of participants to complement the 35-hour face to face session. Abstract: The content of the workbook equates to a minimum of six hours learning activity per module. The workbook consists of referenced materials, podcasts, web-links and related activities and questions. The references and other materials contained in this pre-programme workbook have not been systematically reviewed. They have been included to support the course content and primarily use WHO, and ECDC sources for reference. The workbook has been developed to ensure that all participants, whether undertaking individual modules or the complete programme, arrive fully prepared to participate and share their expertise, experience and practice for the benefit of the whole group. |
|
 | Pages: 21; Description: Facilitator's guide: this case study provides a step-by-step understanding of how to establish surveillance for influenza in international setting that meets the objective of routine and novel virus case detection. Abstract: The learning objectives are 1) define the surveillance objectives, methods of hospital selection, and key data collection priorities; 2) list appropriate surveillance strategies and trigger criteria; 3) list appropriate surveillance strategies and trigger criteria needed for a broader pandemic early warning system; 4) describe how a sentinel site surveillance system for influenza provides an important support function for a pandemic early warning system; 5) identify five ways to enhance human avian and pandemic influenza surveillance activities in areas where there are known influenza A(H5N1) outbreaks in poultry. |
|
 | Description: Interactive presentation including group work on different types of influenza virus. Abstract: The presentation is the basis for Interactive group work/discussion during which the participants discuss and will be able to explain the difference between seasonal, animal and pandemic influenza. Related documents:
Interactive Session on Basic Influenza Issues - Facilitators Explanation |
|
 | Description: The following guidelines provide information for classifying infectious substances for transportation and ensuring their safe packaging. They stress the importance of developing a working relationship between those involved – the sender, the carrier and the receiver – in order to provide for safe and expeditious transport of these materials. |
|
 | Pages: 2; Description: This guideline outlines how a laboratory can become a National Influenza Centre and Member of the Global Influenza Surveillance Network to participate in the global alert mechanism for the emergence of influenza viruses with pandemic potential. Abstract: This guideline outlines how a laboratory can become a National Influenza Centre and Member of the Global Influenza Surveillance Network to participate in the global alert mechanism for the emergence of influenza viruses with pandemic potential. |
|
 | Pages: 58; Description: The "Laboratory issues" module is the fourth of the ten modules contained in the training course on "Development of programmes for prevention and control of seasonal influenza". Abstract: At the end of this module, participants should be able to: 1) critically review the role of laboratory testing for HSI including benefits and limitations of a range of tests available; 2) review the quality and safety issues for laboratory work and systems across the EU; 3) communicate and report effectively with laboratory team and public health authorities. |
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  | Description: This note provides information on appropriate specimen storage and transport of influenza specimen |
|
 | Description: Document explaining an interactive session on general influenza issues Abstract: The document explains how to carry out the interactive session on general influenza issues. The objective of the interactive session is for participants to know and be able to explain the difference between seasonal, animal and pandemic influenza. Related documents:
General Issues of Influenza - An Interactive Session |
|
 | Description: This document contains the following: summary of current knowledge of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus, biorisk management checklist for laboratory managers and staff and recommendations addressing minimal/essential working conditions associated with
specific manipulations in laboratory settings. |
|
 | Description: Laboratory diagnostic tests for influenza and laboratory safety; specimen collection, storage, transport, laboratory data Abstract: The learning objectives are 1) describe avian influenza-related laboratory procedures; 2)define laboratory safety; 3) list elements of specimen collection kit; 4) explain how to collect & transport specimens; 5) describe infectious waste disposal; 6) explain how to manage laboratory data. |
|
 | Description: Facilitator guide for the case study on laboratory diagnosis. Contains six parts that can also be used separately. Sample taking, labelling and packaging as well as which test to use and how to interpret test results. Abstract: The case study will take the participants through 7 scenarios related to laboratory diagnosis of avian influenza. They will allow for practicing specimen collection methods and include discussion questions. Related documents:
Laboratory Diagnostics, Specimen Collection, and Biosafety Issues - Laboratory Practice Exercises - Trainee Guide |
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| |
 | Pages: 153; Description: The manual is composed of two parts.
Part 1: The virology and epidemiology, control and surveillance of influenza
Part 2: The laboratory diagnosis and virological surveillance
of influenza Abstract: WHO developed the Manual for the laboratory diagnosis and virological surveillance of influenza in order to strengthen the laboratory diagnosis and virological surveillance of influenza infection by providing standard methods for the collection, detection, isolation and characterization of viruses. |
|
 | Pages: 11; Description: This checklist provides guidance on the preparations needed to cope with increased laboratory activity during an influenza pandemic. Abstract: To help plan for the surge in demand for diagnostics during an influenza pandemic, National Influenza Centres and other influenza laboratories need to have contingency plans ready. This checklist provides guidance on the preparations needed to cope with increased laboratory activity. |
|
 | Pages: 52; Description: The guideline describes the steps to directly and indirectly measure
influenza disease burden. Abstract: The guideline provides information on how to conduct epidemiological studies
on influenza disease burden and to evaluate the clinical and economic burden of
disease in countries where there is little recognition of influenza and no
control policies are in place. |
|
 | Pages: 40; Description: The guideline describes the steps needed to maximize the information for
action arising from virological and epidemiological influenza surveillance. Abstract: Improvements in national surveillance systems that facilitate the collection
and analysis of both virological and epidemiological data are essential, in
order to provide a more complete understanding of the burden of influenza. Such
improvements also have the added benefit of increasing pandemic preparedness.
This guideline is designed to assist the Ministry of Health staff responsible
for establishing, operating and improving national influenza surveillance
systems. |
|
 | Description: Recommendations and laboratory procedures for detection of avian influenza Abstract: The document provides guidance on specimen collecting and handling, laboratory requirements, confirmation of results, available laboratory techniques for detection of influenza A viruses in humans, and serological identification of antibodies against avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses. |
|
 | Description: Recommendations for laboratories receiving requests to test for specimen from patients with an influenza-like illness Abstract: Initial laboratory testing of each specimen should be to diagnose influenza A virus infection rapidly and exclude other common viral respiratory infections. The recommendations for procedures include: rapid antigen detection, virus culture, and polymerase chain reaction and Real-time PCR assays. Specimen with positive result should be further tested and verified by a designated WHO H5 Reference laboratory. |
|
 | Description: Description of role of National Influenza Centres during Interpandemic, Pandemic Alert and Pandemic Periods Abstract: The document provides guidance to national authorities on how to properly integrate the key component of laboratory-related activities into the national influenza pandemic preparedness plan and other national plans, and define the role of NICs and the recommended actions they should take during the different periods of influenza pandemic preparedness. |
|
 | Pages: 1; Description: This guideline describes the safe transport of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus cultures, isolates and patient specimens as Biological Substance, Category B. Abstract: This guideline describes the safe transport of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus cultures, isolates and patient specimens as Biological Substance, Category B. |
|
 | Pages: 8; Description: The studies were designed to determine the prevalence of cross-reactive
antibodies to the pandemic influenza virus prior to its appearance and to estimate the proportion of the population that was infected. Abstract: In this review the methods and results of 9 studies of the seroprevalence of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus that have been published in peer-reviewed journals are examined, and the implications of such studies are discussed. These studies include data from 7 countries: China; China, Province of Taiwan; Finland; Germany; Singapore; the United Kingdom; and the United States of America. |
|
 | Pages: 2; Description: This guideline describes the terms of reference for National Influenza Centres. Abstract: The terms of reference for National Influenza Centres include being a focal point for WHO and the country on all questions relating to virological and epidemiological surveillance of influenza, and maintaining active communication with the members of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network on isolation of unusual viruses or disease outbreaks. |
|
 | Pages: 32; Description: The document contains the following; What is influenza?; How is influenza diagnosed?; Why and how is influenza activity monitored?; Potential roles of rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs); How do rapid influenza diagnostic tests work?; How effectively do rapid tests detect influenza?; Deciding whether to use RIDTs and understanding what rapid test results mean; What to consider before selecting an RIDT for purchase; Transporting and storing RIDTs; Evaluating the quality of the testing programme Abstract: This user’s guide provides general information on RIDTs and possible
applications according to the availability of local epidemiology and
influenza laboratory services. In particular, it highlights the limitations of these tests. The aim of this document is to ensure appropriate use and interpretation of the results of RIDTs combined with guidance on good quality planning prior to test deployment so that case management and disease control efforts are optimized. |
|
 | Description: This document provides information on the diagnostics available as of the above date for the human influenza A (H1N1) A/California/4/2009‐like viruses. Further diagnostic information will be updated when available. This is an update to the document published on WHO’s website on 18 August 2009. |
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