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

Lab

Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory 401-222-5586

Analyte Name

Haemophilus influenzae

Disease

Haemophilus Influenzae disease (Hib or H-flu)

Test Description

Haemophilus influenzae confirmation and serotyping

Specimen

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.

Specimen Identification

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.

Form Required

Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf

Test Request

Bacterial Isolate

Write "H. influenzae" under Comments/Other Test Requests

Transport

Transport isolates at ambient temperature (15° to 30° C)

Specimens must be packaged & transported in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.

Specimen Rejection Criteria

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

Reporting Requirement

Providers must report patient information on Haemophilus Influenzae disease (Type b) within 4 days using the RIDOH reportable disease form.

Turnaround Time

Confirmation and serotype: within 3 business days

Kit

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.