Eurofins Biomnis code

GABPC

Synonyms

• virus influenza type A
• virus influenza type B

Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection. The viruses responsible for influenza belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family. They are single-stranded RNA viruses. There are three types of influenza virus (A, B and C), of which type A and B viruses can cause epidemics in the population. Their genome is the basis of a great deal of genetic variability, which can result in antigenic variations in the surface glycoproteins that are the main targets of antibodies. Every year, type A and B influenza viruses lead to seasonal (usually winter) epidemics. In the case of influenza A viruses, infections by viruses from the animal reservoir are occasionally observed (generally not resulting in human-to-human transmission). Seasonal influenza is generally a benign infection. It can, however, result in serious complications in vulnerable individuals (chronic illness, morbid obesity, the elderly, pregnant women, etc.). Virological diagnosis of influenza is particularly recommended for all acute respiratory infections in hospitals, in patients at risk or in intensive care units. RT-PCR, performed on respiratory samples, is the method of choice because of its sensitivity and specificity for direct diagnosis (type A or B influenza viruses). In the event of any possible case of avian or swine flu, please notify the Division Internationale :International@biomnis.eurofinseu.com

Preanalytics

• 1 mL :
• Nasopharyngeal swabs or aspirates, respiratory samples (sputum, endotracheal aspirate, BAL)
•   Reftrigerated

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Further information

[To be translated]
The use of the S14UK transport bag is Mandatory.
Swab samples require the use of a transport medium (viral) supplied in kit K1.
Samples (other than swabs) must be sent as they are, in sterile bottles, without transport medium.

Specific equipment available

• S14: Special mycobacteria transport bags are to be used

Documents to download

• information note (N23-INTGB)

Methodology

Real-time PCR

Turnaround time

2 days