The influenza A(H1N1)pdm pandemic in 2009 resulted in the development of a number of assays, such as single/multiplex real-time RT-PCR [3] [4] [5] [6] or microarray systems [7, 8] , allowing the rapid detection and typing of influenza virus in human specimens. Sensitive and rapid diagnostic or typing assays are essential for appropriate patient management, particularly high risk patients, and the use of appropriate antiviral therapy.