CDC Recommends Flocked Swabs and Copan-Manufactured VTM for H1N1

As of May 4th, 2009, the World Health Organization, has officially reported 1085 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection in 21 different countries¹.

As the situation with the novel H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus continues to evolve, the CDC continue to update their document Interim Guidance on Specimen Collection and Processing for Patients with Suspected Influenza A (H1N1) Virus. The objective of this document is to provide 'guidance on appropriate specimen collection, storage, processing, and testing for patients with suspected swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.'²

One of the most widely used methods for detection of H1N1 flu virus is to collect a nasopharyngeal swab sample. The CDC recommends the use of synthetic tip swabs, such as Flocked Swabs, which exhibit a superior recovery of viruses.

Several independent scientific studies published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology and presented at Clinical Virology Symposium show that the quality of the sample taken using Copan Flocked Swabs is comparable to the quality of a sample collected from a nasopharyngeal aspirate or nasal swab, which are considered the gold standard for upper respiratory virus samples.

The open structure of Copan Flocked Swabs acts like a soft brush that efficiently dislodges and collects cells and mucus, then releases the sample immediately when put in a viral transport medium.

In Ontario, the Agency for Health Protection and Promotion also lists Flocked Swabs as the preferred type of swab for respiratory virus sample collection on its latest version of LABstract on 'H1N1 Flu Virus (human swine influenza), Updated Guidance for Laboratory Testing, Hospital Setting.'³ Copan Flocked Swabs are easy to use, are less invasive and cause minimal discomfort for the patient. Copan holds an International Publication Number WO 2004/086979 with WIPO - World Intellectual Property Organization, European Patent N°1608268, Canadian Patent N°2515205, and US Patent Pending.