The CDC has developed and recommended a realtime RT-PCR asaay for detection and characterization of novel H1N1 infl uenza. The assay includes a panel of oligonucleotide primers and dual-labeled hydrolysis (Taqman®) probes. The assay can be used to detect and characterize the novel H1N1 virus (swine infl uenza) in respiratory specimens and viral cultures. The assay has InfA primer and probe set designed for universal detection of type A infl uenza viruses and swInfA primer and probe set to specifi cally detect all swine infl uenza A viruses. The assay also includes a set of specifi c primer and probes for HA gene to specifi cally detect swine H1 infl uenza virus in specimens positive with SwInfA primers and probes. The assay can be applied on a wide range of specimens such as broncheoalveolar lavage, tracheal aspirates, sputum, nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal aspirates or washes, and nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs taken from suspect swine infl uenza A infected patients. Recently Carr et al. developed an M gene-based real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rtRT-PCR) assay for the detection of novel H1N1 2009 infl uenza virus that does not cross-react with human seasonal infl uenza A viruses (subtypes H1N1 and H3N2) [26] .