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Spotlight: Researchers Develop Quality Control Tool for Bird Flu

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Researcher working in lab with safety glasses and gloves
NIST researcher Megan Cleveland was part of a team that developed a nonhazardous, synthetic genetic material that will aid in the development of new diagnostic tests for the H5N1 virus, in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Credit: A. Boss/NIST

NIST researchers have developed a reference material for H5N1 avian influenza or bird flu. Manufacturers in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries can use the reference material to safely assess their diagnostic tests, such as PCR assays, for avian influenza.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are a fast, lab method used to amplify genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, in a sample. They also serve as a helpful tool for detecting infectious diseases or viruses, especially during a pandemic.

This reference material will help calibrate labs and manufacturers’ PCR assays to make sure they are precise and accurate. The material is an upgraded version of a test material released last year.

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Biotechnology, Chemistry, Analytical chemistry, Health, Biopharmaceuticals, Clinical diagnostics, Standards and Reference materials
Released August 14, 2026, Updated September 18, 2026
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