Information for Laboratories

What to know

This page provides information and resources for laboratories and laboratory staff related to influenza testing and reporting. CDC works to help more than 400 clinical and public health laboratories perform tests in influenza and report results to CDC.

Information for laboratory directors and staff

Guidance for Standards-Based Electronic Laboratory Reporting for Influenza
Information on types of influenza lab tests, how to report results for each, and specific examples.
Influenza Specimen Collection Poster
This document is a reference guide for healthcare workers to use when collecting influenza specimens.
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Influenza Specimen Collection Reference Guide
This document is a reference guide for healthcare workers to use when collecting influenza specimens.
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Download
Influenza Virus Testing Methods
Table depicting Influenza virus testing methods.
Information for Clinicians on Rapid Diagnostic Testing for Influenza
Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) can help diagnose patients who may be sick with influenza.
Laboratory and Testing Information for Novel Influenza A Viruses
Novel influenza A viruses infect people but differ from seasonal flu viruses circulating in humans.
Rapid Diagnostic Testing for Influenza: Information for Clinical Laboratory Directors
A table listing available flu tests that are rapid and differentiate between influenza A and B.

Additional information

International Reagent Resource (IRR)
Microbiology Devices; Reclassification of Influenza Virus Antigen Detection Test Systems Intended for Use Directly With Clinical Specimens
CDC’s Influenza SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex Assay
The CDC Flu SC2 Multiplex Assay is a rRT-PCR laboratory test that can detect flu and SARS-CoV-2.
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Content Source:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)