A provisional clinical diagnosis of SARS implies high priority emergenct. Discussion with a Virologist or scientific officer in Virology prior to submission of specimens is mandatory.
Since the most likely differential diagnosis is influenza, submitted samples will be assayed both for coronavirus and influenza A.
- Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA)
- Bronchial lavage
- Induced Sputum
- Blood (5mL EDTA) and/or
- Faecal specimens (especially if patient has diarrhoea) may be submitted
Laboratory instruction:
Give a copy of the request form to a senior staff member in microbiology as it requires approval from Microbiologist
Code RGF. Give to Microbiology with a copy of the form.
Microbiology will decide whether sample is to be sent to Lab+.
Micro will code sample, CORO, place a fluoro yellow sticker and a pink sticker on the form and return to us for onsend.
Send samples to Lab+ at midday each day. Samples much reach Lab+ by 1330.
Put through Sendaway as usual.
Transport in the red bag.