Public Health Division

Lab Test Details

Haemophilus influenzae Serotype
Updated	4/24/2023 (reviewed 1/30/2025)
Search Terms	H. influenzae serotype; H. flu serotyping
How to Order	For isolate submission, on the General Microbiology Test Request Form (OHA0060), in the "Serotyping" section, check the "Haemophilus influenzae serotype" box. For confirmed primary specimens from sterile sites tested using culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs) approved for submission to the OSPHL: On the General Microbiology Test Request Form (OHA0060), in the "Referral Testing/Send-Outs" section, write in the test request under "CDC Referrals." In the "Specimen/Isolate Information" section, indicate "Yes" for "Was an original test performed on a CIDT platform." Indicate the platform and attach your lab's reports. A completed CDC 50.34 form is also required for this test request.
Availability	All clients
Performed	Daily, on regular business days
Time to Reporting	For isolates submitted: Within 4 working days after receipt of specimen For primary specimens: CDC time to reporting is up to 5 weeks from receipt at the CDC laboratory
CPT Code	87077, 87147

Specimen Collection Details
Collection	Actively growing isolated organism in pure culture from a normally sterile site on an agar slant or plate media. Primary specimens from sterile sites can be accepted if previously tested using CIDTs and approved to send to the OSPHL for forwarding to the CDC for referral testing.
Optimal Volume	N/A
Minimum Volume	N/A
Handling	Seal tube or plate and place into biohazard bag. Store specimens at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C) or room temperatures (20-25°C) pending transport. Primary specimens from sterile sites should be frozen pending transport.
Transport	Transport at room temperatures or refrigerated temperatures to be delivered to the OSPHL within 24 hours after culture. Transport primary specimens from sterile sites at frozen temperatures on dry ice.
Rejection Criteria	Samples from non-sterile specimen sources or sites. Specimens are subject to the requirements of the OSPHL Specimen Submission Policy (pdf).
Comments	Culture isolates submitted for testing are retained for 7 calendar days after receipt at the laboratory. For additional information or assistance, please contact the laboratory at 503.693.4100

Method Details
Methodology	For isolates submitted: Agglutination by serotype-specific antisera For approved primary specimens submitted: Specimens are forwarded to the CDC for slide agglutination serotyping and molecular serotyping.
Performance Specifications	N/A

Change Log
1/30/2025	Reviewed, no changes
4/24/2023	Edited How to Order; Clarified Collection, Comments, and Methodology