PHML Respiratory Testing Memo

Testing for seasonal influenza (FLU), SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus) and other respiratory infectious agents is performed at the Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (PHML).

Some RHA sites do provide SARS-CoV-2 testing using rapid testing technologies.

Specimens from symptomatic institutional residents, inpatients, children ≤2 years old and
outbreaks will be prioritized for the full panel of respiratory pathogens including SARS-CoV-2
and FLU.

If an outpatient specimen is a priority for medical management, please provide clinical context on
the requisition for broad respiratory testing for approval by the Microbiologist-On-Call (MOC).
Currently respiratory testing for outpatients is triaged for SARS-CoV-2 testing only.

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