A separate container is required for this test.
Nose/Throat swabs, nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum and BAL are the preferred sample types for this test.
Other specimen types should be discussed with the Medical Microbiologist prior to collection. Note: Faecal samples are only accepted for clearance testing.
Collect one nose/throat swab for BOTH COVID-19 PCR and Respiratory PCR using the Respiratory PCR collection kits available from Pathology. Ensure both labels are placed on the vial and both orders signed off in Powerchart specimen collect.
If two COVID-19 tests have been requested, ensure these are one two separate laboratory numbers and the collection times recorded as at least one minute apart.
Note: Blue capped swabs are UNSUITABLE for nose/throat specimens.
Use a plain 70mL collection pot for sputum and BAL samples.
Saliva testing:
Use a blue-capped swab to collect saliva from the patient.
Refer to the Infection Prevention guidelines for collection instructions.
|