   | 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. |
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 | 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. |
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 | 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. |
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 | 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. |
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 | 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. |
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 | 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. |
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 | 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. |
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 | 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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