Avian Influenza Virus Sample Types, Collection, and Handling

Successful detection of 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 immunodiffusion 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 from gallinaceous poultry and cloacal swabs from waterfowl are the preferred specimens for most diagnostic tests, although it is optimal to collect swabs from both locations, if possible. In addition to collecting the appropriate sample for the tests to be performed, selecting the right materials for sample collection (i.e., type of swab) is very important. This chapter will outline the collection of different specimen types and procedures for proper specimen handling.