After the influenza A (H1N1) outbreaks were reported on April 24, 2008, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) immediately obtained the full genome sequence of the virus from the GISAID sequence database for sequence alignment and comparison.In addition, Taiwan CDC ordered Purigo Biotech, Inc. to design primers and probes used in real-time RT-PCR and traditional RT-PCR for the diagnostic test detecting and characterizing influenza A(H1N1) .On April 28, 2009, Taiwan CDC obtained the RNA sequence of the influenza A(H1N1)virus from the Animal Technology Institute Taiwan (ATIT) and the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) for use as the positive control.The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic test was assessed on the same day.Comparison of the diagnostic test result with the positive control proved Taiwan CDC’s ability to diagnose influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. The diagnostic test for influenza A (H1N1) was instantly made available for relevant specimen testing.

On the other hand, it was rumored that China preceded Taiwan in the development of a rapid diagnostic test for the novel influenza virus.After Director Kuo of Taiwan CDC contacted Director Yu Wang of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese CDC) concerning the rumor, Director Wang of the Chinese CDC clarified that China had never made such claim and stressed that the rapid diagnostic test was developed as a result of a multinational collaboration.Currently, the diagnostic test for influenza A(H1N1) used in China is similar to the one used in Taiwan.