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Lab update: Respiratory testing for ED, inpatients

10 Oct 2021

Stand-alone COVID-19 testing only at Salem Health lab



By: Kara Cardwell, senior lab specialist

Salem Health Laboratories is pleased to continue stand-alone COVID-19 testing along with multiplex Influenza A/B, RSV, and COVID-19 testing for the 2021-22 respiratory season.

Due to changes in manufacturing from our vendors, stand-alone COVID-19 testing will be performed only at Salem Health Regional Laboratory starting in October, with a turnaround time of <24 hours for inpatients and ED patients. Salem Health Priority Laboratory will continue to meet the need for quick turnaround times with multiplex Influenza/RSV/COVID testing.

With the recent surge, supplies for rapid molecular and point-of -care tests continue to be limited, so to preserve access to rapid testing through the season, please avoid duplicate testing.

With this change, providers should use the following guide to choose ONE of the following tests:

Indication

EPIC Test Code

Test Name

SunQuest Test Code

TAT for ED/ Inpatients

COVID-19

test only

LAB4147

COVID19, CORONAVIRUS SARS COV 2 BY PCR

CVD

<24 hours

Guidelines for appropriate use:

  • Asymptomatic patients
  • Patients undergoing AGP, to allow for reduction in PPE use
  • Patients being discharged from ED, who are not being admitted and can quarantine at home while waiting for test results.
  • Patients being considered for placement or discharge.

COVID-19 with Influenza and RSV

LAB7110

INFLUENZA A, B, RSV AND SARS-COV2

FLUCV

2-3 hours

Guidelines for appropriate use:

  • Patients who would benefit from specific treatment for Influenza or RSV, if positive.
  • Asymptomatic patients who are being admitted to a surge bed or a shared room.
  • Symptomatic patients who are being admitted to the hospital. Physicians should coordinate to determine which test, (4 in 1, COIVD-19 only, or Respiratory Pathogen panel) is the most appropriate to avoid duplicate testing of viral targets.

Note: This test should not be used for repeat testing during the same admission.

Respiratory Panel with COVID-19

LAB7111

Respiratory Pathogen Panel with COVID-19

RP2

<24 hours

Guidelines for appropriate use:

  • Inpatients, being admitted to ICU with evidence of viral pneumonia. Physicians should coordinate when considering an order for this test before requesting Influenza/RSV/COVID test, to avoid duplicate testing of viral targets.