7.2 Response Implemented

The PHLN met regularly during the pandemic response to discuss the situation across the country and provide information on any changes to the virus or to testing protocols. The PHLN provided expert advice to the AHPC.

The expertise within PHLN laboratories for the development and application of new PCR tests enabled pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza test kits to be developed early in the response. This was also facilitated by early access to information on the new virus, timely dissemination of matrix kits in early April by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and access to positive control material (ribonucleic acid from pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus isolates collected from the earliest New Zealand cases). Rapid dissemination of material to Australian laboratories by the WHO CC allowed some limited test evaluation and inter-laboratory sensitivity comparisons prior to the entry of the pandemic strain into Australia.

In the early stages of the pandemic response, the PHLN laboratories provided all isolates to the WHO CC for further typing and characterisation. In the later stages of the pandemic, only representative samples of specimens were provided.

Large private pathology practices played an important role during the response and were used to varying degrees in each jurisdiction. These practices had the ability to collect specimens through established couriers, had an existing information and communication network with GPs and were able to provide advice and education to the primary care and private hospital sectors.

In contrast to other jurisdictions, the private sector in Queensland was able to provide a large amount of diagnostic testing due to its pre-existing PCR testing capacity. The ability to redirect this PCR capacity to influenza testing was assisted by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Queensland Health and the providers of influenza testing that enabled the stockpiling of molecular testing reagents and rapid antigen test kits.

The need for additional automated influenza testing capacity became apparent during the 2009 pandemic as laboratories struggled to meet the ongoing demand. The Australian Government and some states and territories provided funding for the purchase of additional automated influenza testing equipment. However, in most cases this equipment was not provided to the laboratories until the peak demand for testing was over, due to delays in approval and procurement processes.