This interim guidance provides an overview of the sensitivities of rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT) in detecting novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in order to help guide the reporting and interpretation of test results.  This document does not discuss either direct (DFA) or indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA).  This guidance is primarily intended for clinical laboratories and clinical practices conducting influenza testing on respiratory specimens from patients with suspected novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. 

Information on laboratory biosafety is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidelines_labworkers.htm and interim guidance on clinical testing recommendations is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/specimencollection.htm. Guidance will be updated as needed based on new data.

Go now to: CDC H1N1 Flu | Interim Guidance for the Detection of Novel Influenza A Virus Using Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests