USA
New York Labs Destroyed all H2N2 strain test kits
By DOHMH, New York
Apr 14, 2005, 16:37

Earlier this week, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) was alerted by the New York State Department of Health and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) that proficiency test kits containing the H2N2 strain of influenza virus were sent to over 4,000 laboratories nationwide, including several in New York City.

The Health Department has since directly contacted the seven test kit recipient laboratories in New York City. We have confirmed that all test kits containing the H2N2 strain were destroyed.

In addition to the Health Department's response to this matter, multiple alerts have been sent to laboratories throughout New York State by the American College of Pathologists, the APHL and the New York State Department of Health.

Each of the recipient laboratories follows stringent protocols with respect to the receipt, use and destruction of samples. The Department is fully confident in their ability to properly handle these matters. We will continue to closely monitor the situation statewide and nationwide until it is resolved.

All rights reserved by www.rxpgnews.com