Influenza A H5 (HPAI) RNA
Influenza A H5N1
Last reviewed 2026-08-13
Public health significance
HPAI H5 is the current high-consequence respiratory threat. A single confirmed human detection rearranges a state's week.
Specimen types
Respiratory; conjunctival in some exposure protocols
Method
H5-specific NAA, often LDT / LRN
CLIA / validation
Full LDT validation unless an authorized assay is used. Dual-target or confirmatory algorithm expected.
Interpretation
Presumptive vs confirmed must be explicit. Do not bury clade or confirmation status in free text only.
Reflex / referral
Presumptive H5 goes to LRN/CDC confirmation. Epidemiology is notified before the confirmatory result returns.
Quality control
Positive control at a clinically relevant titer. Separate the H5 assay from seasonal multiplex contamination risk.
Reportability
Immediate phone plus ELR in most jurisdictions.
HL7 / ELR
OBX-3 68986-9 (or current H5 target). Mark preliminary vs final clearly in OBX-11.
Sources
CDC HPAI laboratory guidance; APHL influenza resources.