Subregional training on the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction technique for diagnosis and detection of influenza H7N9 virus, February 2014

Subregional training on the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique for diagnosis and detection of influenza H7N9 was held in February and March 2014. The training aimed at strengthening virology laboratory diagnostic capacity of using RT-PCR for influenza H7N9 virus diagnosis and detection, discuss possible causes of false results and promote good laboratory practice and laboratory safety issues. The training focused on:

  • influenza H7N9 virus diagnosis using molecular methods;
  • molecular diagnostic laboratory design and good laboratory practice;
  • troubleshooting of influenza H7N9 virus RT- PCR testing and interpretation of the results; and
  • biosafety and laboratory safety issues related to influenza H7N9 virus.

Related links

Real-time RT-PCR Protocol for the detection of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus 

WHO working group on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols for detecting subtype influenza A viruses

CDC protocol of real time RTPCR for influenza A (H1N1)