What testing is available for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus infection, and how reliable is it?
Top A: Tests available and validated for poultry species include real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and virus isolation (VI). The rRT-PCR is performed by all National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratories and other national veterinary laboratories approved by USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for this purpose. Many NAHLN laboratories perform VI as well. Both tests can be applied, with caution, to non-poultry species. The rRT-PCR testing performed by NAHLN laboratories is specific for all influenza A viruses, and then further for all H5 or H7 subtypes. This test would be expected to detect infection in any species that is actively shedding virus. Test results can be available in as little as a half day (12 hours), and USDA has indicated that the results of rapid screening can be expected within 4 to 7 hours after receipt by the NVSL. Testing for AI is very reliable, and researchers are continuing to improve testing met
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