Avian metapneumovirus RT-nested-PCR: A novel false positive reducing inactivated control virus with potential applications to other RNA viruses and real time methods

► RT-PCR control virus contamination produces false positive results. ► A novel control AMPV gave larger amplicons using the same primers. ► Microwave irradiation resulted in a non infectious, hazard free control. ► Application to highly hazardous RNA viruses including influenza is probable. ► Likely application as an internal control and in real time methods.