On Oct. 26, the Virology Lab at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center officially was given the green light to perform confirmatory testing for H1N1 Swine-like Influenza. The assay in use was developed by the CDC and approved by the FDA for emergency use during the 2009/2010 Swine Flu Pandemic. The test is the same test currently run at the CDC and a number of Public Health Labs across the United States.

Currently DDEAMC is the only Army Medical Center Laboratory in the southeast region to run this test. The test uses Polymerase Chain Reaction to amplify the viral genes for identification. This is the same method currently being used in forensics and paternity testing. The amplification process makes it possible to assay for the presence of the virus even in very low level infections, undetectable by most other testing methods.

The test is also very specific and able to tell the difference between the regular seasonal influenza and the new pandemic strain.

Training for this test was provided by the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine in San Antonio, Tex., which currently houses the U.S. Military Program for Influenza Surveillance.

The pandemic has created a surge in workload for hospitals and laboratories across the country. At Eisenhower, the pandemic created a workload surge in respiratory tests that was over five times what would be expected during an average influenza season.

With several months left in the 2009-2010 influenza season, preparation is still underway for what could be a continuation or an escalation of what has been hinted at in the opening months of the season. In preparation for potential surge levels of testing, MEDCOM purchased testing equipment for the regional reference labs that can handle large volumes of daily testing.

November Health Observances

Warrior Care Month, Diabetes Awareness

Month, Alzheimer's Disease Awareness, Lung Cancer Awareness

Upcoming Events

Great American Smokeout Aerobathon Nov. 18 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Gym 3, Bldg 25510 Call 706-787-6756 or 706-791-2864 for info

Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal in Ike’s Cafe! Thanksgiving Day Celebration Nov. 26, Ike’s Cafe 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. EAMC 3rd Floor

Sumptuous Menu
Open to Everyone
Tickets required

Ticket Prices:

$7.35 adults and children over 10 yrs

$5.40 E-4 and below and children 2 - 10 yrs Meal card holders FREE

Call 706-787-2145 or 706-787-3082 for ticket information