Avian Influenza Virus Sample Types, Collection, and Handling

Successful detection of the avian influenza (AI) virus, viral antigen, nucleic acid, or antibody is dependent upon the collection of the appropriate sample type, the quality of the sample, and the proper storage and handling of the sample. The diagnostic tests to be performed should be considered prior to sample collection. Sera are acceptable samples for ELISA or agar gel precipitin tests, but not for real-time RT-PCR. Likewise, swabs and/or tissues are acceptable for real-time RT-PCR and virus isolation. The sample type will also depend on the type of birds that are being tested; oropharyngeal swabs should be collected from poultry, and cloacal swabs should be collected from waterfowl. This chapter will outline the collection of different specimen types and procedures for proper specimen handling.