The New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) was formerly named The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).

Influenza virus neutralising antibodies

Clinical Virology Laboratory

Area

Health Science

Lab name

Clinical Virology Laboratory

Lab location

Wallaceville Science Centre, Upper Hutt

Test name

Influenza virus neutralising antibodies

Organisms

Influenza A & B virus (family: Orthomyxoviridae; Genus: influenza A & B)

Requested for surveillance

no

Notice required

yes

Sample requirements

Acute serum obtained at the first contact with the healthcare system (within 5 days of symptom onset) and convalescent serum (between 2-3 weeks after symptom onset)

Pre-transport requirements

5 ± 3°C within 24 hours

Transport requirements

Send with ice pack via overnight courier to arrive within 24 hours.

Do not dispatch samples on Friday, Saturday or the day before a public holiday.

How results reported

Report will state influenza virus neutralising antibody titres for the serum specimen: the reciprocal of the highest dilution causing complete haemagglutination inhibition of erythrocytes by relevant influenza viruses

Turnaround time

Contact the laboratory

Test form number

PHFS1020

Referral link

Download form