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o If antiviral treatment is indicated, it should be provided as soon as possible.
• MDHHS should be contacted immediately by the LHD to assess the situation and coordinate collection
of respiratory specimen(s) for influenza testing by the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories (BOL). Test
Request Form: MDHHS-6097.
• For individuals with respiratory symptoms, the preferred specimen for testing at the Michigan Bureau
of Laboratories (BOL) is a dual nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) collection having both
swabs (NP + OP) put into separate tubes of VTM. The NP swab in VTM is the preferred specimen type if
only one is able to be collected for an individual with respiratory symptoms.
• Individuals with conjunctivitis (with or without respiratory symptoms) MUST have two samples
collected: conjunctival swab AND NP swab. If only conjunctival swab is collected, it will need to be
shipped to CDC for influenza testing by MDHHS BOL, which may delay results.
• A viral respiratory test requisition MDHHS-6097 should be completed and accompany specimens being
sent to the Michigan Bureau of Laboratories.
• Specimen tubes should be labeled with two unique identifiers that match what is on the test requisition
(i.e., first name, last name and date of birth). Specimen tubes should also be labeled with the specimen
source and date of collection.
• After collection, specimens should be sent on frozen cold packs to Michigan Bureau of Laboratories.
o If specimens will not arrive to the Michigan Bureau of Laboratories within 72 hours of their
collection specimens should be frozen and sent on dry ice.
• Additional information regarding collection, packaging, and shipping of specimens to the Michigan
Bureau of Laboratories can be found in the Virus Isolation Specimen Submission Instructions DCH-0772.
• Testing at MDHHS BOL should not preclude influenza testing at a healthcare facility, but it is
recommended specimens be collected for both. In addition, it is recommended that healthcare facilities
pursue PCR-based tests over rapid EIAs due to the low predictive value positive during times of low
seasonal influenza activity. However, a positive EIA (rapid test) is actionable. If EIA is negative, PCR
testing should be conducted.
• Link to Template for Standing Orders for Influenza Testing of Persons Potentially Exposed to Avian
Influenza.
VI. Follow-up to influenza A (H5N1) Confirmed and Presumptive Positive Cases
• LHDs are requested to reiterate isolation guidance to the presumptive/confirmed case and, if not
already completed, gather information on household contacts, including their current health status.
Household contacts should be enrolled in monitoring.
• LHDs are also asked to first complete the CDC Novel Influenza A Virus Case Screening Form for persons
under investigation (PUI), and the CDC Novel Influenza A Virus Case Report Form and attach both to the
presumptive/confirmed case in MDSS. Please prioritize the following questions in the CRF, if not already
documented when initial specimens were collected:
o Onset date.
o Signs/symptoms.
▪ Does the case still have symptoms? If not, resolution date? If yes, are symptoms
improving?
o Has the case started oseltamivir? If yes, when?
o How many household members does the case have?
▪ Note: contacts should be entered into the OMS
o Are any of the household members symptomatic?
o Have household members been offered oseltamivir?