This document provides information on molecular detection/diagnostic protocols updated as of the above date for surveillance of influenza viruses in humans.

List of revisions of this document:

• 7th revision: February 2021 (current version)
• 6th revision: January 2020 (current revision)
• 5th revision: November 2018
• 4th revision: July 2017
• 3rd revision: December 2016
• 2nd revision: May 2015
• 1st revision: March 2014
• Version 1: November 2012

The protocols are described in the annexes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Annex 4 contains multiplex protocols for simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses in the same PCR reaction tube.

Revision February 2021:

• Annex 4. Protocol 1 added: Multiplex RT-PCR assay for the detection of Flu SARS-CoV-2 (page 61)
• Annex 4. Protocol 2 added: Real-time RT-PCR for the initial screening of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, B and C viruses (page 64)
• Annex 4. Protocol 3 added: One-step real-time RT-PCR 4-plex assay for the detection and subtyping of influenza A, B, H1pdm09 and H3 viruses(page 66)

For CDC RT-PCR protocols, please follow this link

• CDC Laboratory Support for Influenza Surveillance (CLSIS) SharePoint Site
  pdf, 444kb

Influenza A(H7N9)

• Real-time RT-PCR protocol for the detection of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, provided by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research in Beijing, China
  pdf, 101kb
  8 April 2013 (updated on 15 April)

View previous updates

• January 2020
  pdf, 1.84Mb
• November 2018
  pdf, 1.73Mb
• July 2017
  pdf, 1.41Mb
• May 2015
  pdf, 1.20Mb
• March 2014
  pdf, 764kb
• November 2012
  pdf, 505kb
• August 2011
  pdf, 403kb
• November 2009
  pdf, 743kb