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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Amy Kirkwood Smith, MS¹, Tara McCarthy, MD, MPH¹, and M. Anita Barry, MD, MPH². (1) Boston Public Health Commission, Communicable Disease Control Division, 1010 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, (2) Communicable Disease Control Division, Boston Public Health Commission, 1010 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, 617 534-5611, anita_barry@bphc.org

Background: Concern about the spread of avian influenza (H5N1) has prompted increased planning efforts. The laboratory response network (LRN) provides testing for pathogens, including avian influenza, but in Boston, initial testing is commonly done in hospital laboratories. CDC guidelines advise that rapid antigen detection testing and RT-PCR for novel influenza viruses be done under BSL-2 conditions with Class II biological safety cabinets. Viral isolation for suspected or RT-PCR confirmed cases of novel influenza including H5N1, should be conducted using BSL-3 with enhancements. Boston Public Health Commission conducted a survey of hospital-based clinical laboratories to assess current practices related to novel influenza virus testing.

Methods: A survey on biosafety practices and current specimen processing practices, including any special procedures, was sent to all ten acute care hospitals in Boston. Results were summarized and feedback provided to laboratory directors including information on local resources and recommended practices.

Results: All ten hospitals responded. One facility has BSL-3 capability; one expects to have BSL-3 capability shortly. Six hospitals routinely use BSL-2 practices for viral isolation on respiratory specimens. Four hospitals would not set up viral cultures for avian influenza or SARS; only three had screening protocols to identify specimens which may require special handling.

Conclusions: Most hospital laboratories have the capacity to safely perform rapid antigen and RT-PCR testing for novel influenza viruses, although none currently perform RT-PCR testing for these viruses. Our findings suggest that protocols to improve communication between clinicians and the laboratory could enhance safe specimen handling.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens or Isolates of Novel Influenza Strains
• Describe Boston Clinical Laboratory testing capabilities and describe areas where improvement or enhancements may be needed

Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Clinical Lab Services

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered