Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Avian influenza laboratory findings
Introduction
For more information about seasonal human influenza virus that is not associated with animal exposure, see Influenza
Overview
Overview
Diagnostic tests available for influenza include viral culture, serology, rapid antigen testing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunofluorescence assays, and other molecular assays. Sensitivity and specificity of any test for influenza might vary by the laboratory that performs the test, the type of test used, and the type of specimen tested. Among respiratory specimens for viral isolation or rapid detection, nasopharyngeal specimens are typically more effective than throat swab specimens. As with any diagnostic test, results should be evaluated in the context of other clinical and epidemiologic information available to healthcare providers.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory Findings
Leukocyte counts may be normal or low, with lymphopenia or thrombocytopenia in some cases. In severe disease, other laboratory abnormalities indicative of complications may be present.[1][2]
References
References
- ↑ Avian Influenza Factsheet. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/avian_influenza/en/ Accessed on February 17, 2017
- ↑ Avian Influenza A Virus Infections in Humans. Centers for Disease Control. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-humans.htm Accessed on February 17, 2017
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]