The AHMPPI highlights the importance of laboratory diagnosis for individuals infected with a new pandemic strain, and the significant role of laboratories in a pandemic. In particular, the plan emphasises the need for a rapid and sustainable early response, and acknowledges a change of focus during the later stages of a pandemic.29

Australia has a well-established and well-prepared network of diagnostic laboratories to support a public health response through the Public Health Laboratory Network (PHLN). The PHLN laboratories and other major laboratories have established a substantial capacity for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based influenza testing, including the ability to safely and effectively test for a new pandemic strain. In addition, a number of initiatives had been undertaken by the Australian Government prior to 2009 to prepare laboratory capacity for a pandemic, including:

  • providing equipment and H5N1 test kits and in-laboratory training to South Australia, the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania, to ensure that every jurisdiction could test for pandemic influenza
  • meeting with the Australian Association of Pathology Practices to develop plans for communicating with public and private laboratories and for the collection, transport and testing of specimens.
Some jurisdictions, including Queensland, had established a stockpile of reagents and consumables as part of its pandemic planning. This was not the case in all jurisdictions.

Australia also benefits from the expertise and testing provided by the WHO Collaborating Centre (WHO CC) for Reference and Research on Influenza in Melbourne. This is one of five WHO influenza collaborating centres in the world and is part of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN). The GISN performs laboratory analysis of both seasonal and novel influenza strains collected from more than 90 countries around the world. The WHO CC in Melbourne has a particular focus on influenza viruses in the Asia–Pacific region, and supports the countries in this region with early detection and laboratory analysis.

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29 “… it may not be possible or necessary to have a laboratory confirmation of every case of pandemic influenza. It is likely that, for the majority of patients, the diagnosis will be clear on clinical grounds alone. Laboratory services will focus on reassessment of assumptions, monitoring any drift in the virus and assessing effectiveness of antivirals and vaccines”. Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza. (Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (2008), AustHMPek p. 131.


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