Global Influenza Programme
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WHO information for molecular diagnosis of influenza virus - update

This document provides information on molecular detection/diagnostic protocols updated as of the above date for surveillance of influenza viruses in humans and multiplex protocols for simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses in the same PCR reaction tube.

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

List of revisions of this document:

11th revision: August 2025

10th revision: August 2024

9th revision: August 2023

8th revision: September 2022

7th revision: February 2021

6th revision: January 2020

5th revision: November 2018

4th revision: July 2017

3rd revision: December 2016

2nd revision: May 2015

1st revision: March 2014

Version 1: November 2012

 

Revisions August 2025

  • Annex 2. D Protocol 3: Real-time RT-PCR procedures for the detection of: updates to A(H1pdm09) and A(H5)
  • Annex 3. Protocol 1 updated: One-step real-time RT-PCR 4-plex assay for the detection and subtyping of influenza A, B, H1pdm09 and H3 viruses