CDC: Submitting Specimens for Novel Influenza A Virus Testing, May 15, 2025

[Commonground]

May 15, 2025
KEY POINTS

• This page provides instructions for clinical, public health, and commercial laboratories to package and ship clinical specimens for novel influenza A virus testing.
• Contact CDC prior to sending specimens and follow the instructions on this page for packaging and shipment of specimens to CDC.

Specimen acceptance criteria
Due to an ongoing need for virologic characterization, influenza A(H5) positive specimens should contain a minimum of 500µl. However, specimens with volumes of less than 500µl should still be sent to CDC.

Before submission
Prior to sending specimens, state and local health departments should contact the CDC Influenza Division Epidemiology and Prevention Branch at (404) 639-3747 Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (or the on-call epidemiologist at (770) 488-7100 at all other times) or flusupport@cdc.gov for shipping guidelines.

Documentation to include

Specimen Shipment to CDC for Diagnostic Testing
To submit viruses for diagnosis, please fill out the following forms and send along with your submission:

CDC Specimen Submission Form, CDC: 50.34 (Required for CLIA reporting) or: CDC Specimen Test Order and Reporting (CSTOR) | Submitting Specimens to CDC | Infectious Diseases Laboratories | CDC

Additionally, please include:

Reason for Submission: Diagnosis

If Clinical Specimen: Indicate specimen type

Type/Subtype: Inconclusive

Comments:

• Assign CDC-10421 Influenza Molecular Detection in Clinical Specimens for diagnostic submissions.
• Provide any relevant rRT-PCR data in the comments section of the 50.34/CSTOR.
• Include patient's name and date of birth on the CDC 50.34/CSTOR.
• Please be sure to label the specimen with two identifiers, including patient name. Review specimen labels carefully prior to shipment, as any discrepancy between the specimen label and the 50.34 will delay testing.
• Specimens must be received frozen – ship samples on dry ice.
• Please include a hard copy of the 50.34 form in the package with submissions.
• Send tracking number for shipment to flusupport@cdc.gov.

Send diagnostic samples to:
Marie K. Kirby, Ph.D.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Influenza Division, H23-6 (Unit 198)
c/o STAT
1600 Clifton Rd, NE
Atlanta, GA 30329

Packaging and labeling guidelines

For shipping to public health laboratories

• All specimens should be labeled clearly and include information required for seasonal influenza surveillance isolate or specimen submission.
• Label the specimen on viral transport media tube and ensure cap on tube is tightly sealed. (Do not use a pencil or pen for labeling, as they can rub off or smear. Instead, use a bar code or permanent marker).
• Fill out paperwork in accordance with state health department guidelines.
• Pack specimens in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations regarding shipment of biological substances.
• Avoid freezing and thawing specimens prior to shipment because viability of some viruses from specimens that were frozen and then thawed is greatly diminished.
• Human respiratory specimens to be tested within 72 hours post-collection should be transported refrigerated at 2-8°C. Alternatively, clinical specimens can be frozen at ≤-70°C and transported promptly on dry ice. Include a frozen cold pack with the specimen(s).

​https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/php/severe-potential/specimen-submission.html