Influenza A Virus Matrix Real-Time PCR (Performed at St. Paul Facility)

Service type
Molecular Diagnostics/PCR
Species
Porcine,
Canine,
Feline,
Equine
Fee
$32.00
Days tested
M-F as needed. In most cases, samples need to be in the lab by noon the day before the scheduled test for processing and preparation.
Turnaround time
2-3 days
Specimen Requirements

1) Nasal or pharyngeal swabs 

2) Lung (2-3 cm3 or biopsy) 

3) Oral Fluids/saliva (at least 2 ml) 

Shipping container
1) Synthetic swab 2 ) WHIRL-PAK or plastic bag
Location Term
St. Paul (VDL)
Best Practice

Test update

Effective May 1, 2023, the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will be changing the reflex testing protocols for influenza A virus testing in swine samples.

For the past many years we've performed reflex subtyping (H1/H3/N1/N2 PCRs) and set up virus isolation (VI) on the sample with the lowest Ct value for the case, as long as the detection Ct value is <30. 

We will now be changing our protocols to mirror the USDA Swine Influenza A Virus Surveillance Program, and will only be performing reflex subtyping and virus isolation on oral fluid samples with detection Ct values of <20, and on nasal swab/wipe samples and lung samples with detection Ct values of <25, unless specifically instructed otherwise.

If you would like your samples to have reflex subtyping and/or virus isolation performed even if they fall outside of the the above detection Ct criteria, please indicate this preference on your submission forms, or you may request these additional tests via your Results Access webportal or by calling or emailing the laboratory once the detection results are reported. 

Please feel free to contact Dr. Matt Sturos (email to [email protected] or call 612-625-0947) with any questions or concerns you may have with this upcoming change.

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