Haemophilus influenzae
Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance
Submit all specimens to 50 Orms St, Providence RI 02904. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory 401-222-5586
Haemophilus influenzae
Haemophilus Influenzae disease (Hib or H-flu)
Haemophilus influenzae confirmation and serotyping
Submit freshly growing, pure isolate from invasive disease (normally sterile site) on a chocolate agar slant secured with a screw cap.
If plated media is used, seal plate with parafilm or other appropriate barrier film.
CLIA regulations require specimens be labeled with at least two patient identifiers. Examples of identifiers are first and last name, date of birth, chart/medical record number. The specimen container must be labeled to match the test requisition or the electronic order.
Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf
Bacterial Isolate
Write "H. influenzae" under Comments/Other Test Requests
Transport isolates at ambient temperature (15° to 30° C)
Specimens must be packaged & transported in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.
The following rejection criteria will be used to ensure accurate specimen information and specimen condition for testing:
- Specimen received outside acceptable transport range
- Demographics different of specimen
- Two identifiers required on specimen / Unable to read identifiers on specimen
- Expired/ incorrect collection kit
- Insufficient quantity
- Urine cup received
- No specimen received
- Specimen leaked in transit
- Test not evaluated in adolescents < 14
- No swab received
- Specimen too old
Providers must report patient information on Haemophilus Influenzae disease (Type b) within 4 days using the RIDOH reportable disease form.
Confirmation and serotype: within 3 business days
Containers specifically labeled for transport of specimens and isolates to the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory are available in all Microbiology Laboratories and Laboratory Send-out Departments.