Influenza Surveillance

2009 Influenza A (H1N1) Testing:  The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) has discontinued fee-exempt testing for 2009 H1N1 influenza, in alignment with the revocation of the Wisconsin Public Health Emergency proclamation. 

Effective July 12, 2010, the WSLH will test specimens that meet influenza surveillance criteria and specimens related to public health investigations ONLY.

Surveillance for 2009 influenza A (H1N1) will be included in the surveillance for seasonal and other influenza viruses


Description of laboratory-based surveillance:

Wisconsin's laboratory-based viral surveillance depends on a combination of testing at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) and voluntary reporting and sample submissions by virology laboratories, molecular testing laboratories, and rapid testing (antigen detection) sites in Wisconsin.

Reports containing brief statements of activity are provided by email and fax throughout the year (bi-weekly during the respiratory virus season, less frequently at other times).  If you would like to receive these reports, please email a request; be sure to include your name, position, institution and city.

Graphs displaying statewide and regional data are posted each week.


Reporting Instructions


Reporting Forms

  • Antigen Detection Test Reporting Form: This is a form for faxing weekly rapid viral test data (number tested and positive) to the WSLH.  Report data can also be provided via the web.  Email for more information about web reporting or to receive a form to fax reports.
  • PCR Test Reporting Form:  This is a form to fax weekly PCR viral test data.  Email to receive a form that has been customized for your institution.
  • Culture Test Reporting Form: This is a form to fax weekly viral culture data.  Email to receive a form that has been customized for your institution.


Instructions to Submit Samples for Influenza Surveillance

(Please note that the numbers and types of specimens requested for influenza surveillance will change periodically, based on seasonality and virus activity.)

Please submit the following specimens for influenza surveillance:

  • Rapid influenza test positives until 2 consecutive specimens are confirmed for influenza A and influenza B during the influenza season.
  • All specimens that are positive for influenza from hospitalized patients Updated! Jan. 2011
  • All influenza A specimens which fail to subtype or which have unusual subtyping patterns (e.g. 2009 (H1) [+] and A (H3) [+]).  Updated! Jan. 2011
  • All specimens positive for influenza by any test from May through December;
    • Use this form and write in the test type that you used.
  • Up to three specimens each week from laboratories that were recruited and enrolled in influenza surveillance (forms provided to laboratories);
  • Specimens from healthcare providers who were recruited and enrolled in influenza surveillance last fall (forms provided to sites and are available at our Clinical Orders Department (608-265-2966 or 800-862-1088);
  • Specimens from patients with an international travel history.

NOTE: Please provide the patient address and telephone number when completing requisition forms and when providing reportable disease reports to public health. Including this information will minimize disruptions to the laboratory for information requests.

BE SURE TO COMPLETE THE SUBMITTER INFORMATION AND TWO FORMS OF PATIENT IDENTIFICATION ON EACH FORM. 

 
Specimen Collection

  • The preferred respiratory specimens for influenza testing are a combined nasopharyngeal swab with oropharyngeal (throat) swab.  If these specimens cannot be collected, either a nasopharygeal swab or throat swab is acceptable.
  • Collect specimens as soon as possible after onset.
  • Collect using swabs with synthetic tips (e.g., polyester, Dacron) with wire or plastic shafts; flocked swabs are also acceptable.  Swabs with cotton tips and wooden shafts are not recommended; swabs made of calcium alginate are not acceptable.
  • Place specimens in 1-3 ml. of viral transport medium (VTM).  Any commercially available viral transport medium may be used.

Note: Swabs that are not submitted in viral transport medium will not be tested, due to regulatory compliance requirements.


Specimen Handling and Transport

  • Follow infection control guidance during collection and handling of specimens.
  • Store and transport all specimens at refrigerator temperatures.
  • Specimen transport supplies can be requested through the WSLH Clinical Orders group at 608-265-2966 or 800-862-1088.  Shippers from other sources are also acceptable, as long as refrigerator temperatures are maintained.
  • Follow the packaging and contact instructions at Virus Shipping Instructions
  • There is NO COST for submitting surveillance specimens to WSLH.