In order to alleviate the annual anticipated shortage of oseltamivir when flu season begins in earnest, oseltamivir will remain restricted to patients who have a positive influenza test (either flu swab or a respiratory panel). In accordance with the statement from the CDC, patients with life threatening illness should receive oseltamivir empirically while results are pending.
The respiratory panel is run between 6:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Typical turn-around time is four hours or less (likely less than two hours if ordered STAT).
If you have any questions, please call or e-mail Matt Tanner (at 4-2048) or Julie Koch (at 1-2606).