COVID-19 information for health professionals
COVID-19 information for health professionals
This page contains information and resources for health professionals in the Waikato.
For public information and updates about COVID-19 please go to our COVID-19 in Waikato page.
Testing for novel coronavirus is now being performed at Waikato Hospital. Some samples are sent to a reference lab for confirmation. The case definition has been broadened to include travellers from almost all countries and non traveller patients with moderate or severe pneumonia when no other cause of illness can be found. This should detect whether and where local transmission is occurring.
Laboratory testing requirements are
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For suspected cases of COVID-19 One nasopharyngeal viral swab (either red or green fine flexible viral swab).
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A lower respiratory tract sample (sputum, ET secretions, BAL) is a good specimen but should only be collected in aerosol safe situations. A negative nasopharyngeal swab doesn't completely exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly early or late in the course of illness. A repeat sample may be taken if the patient's symptoms deteriorate in the absence of another credible cause.
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Due to the expansion in test numbers, additional tests such as Influenza or extended respiratory virus PCR panel will not routinely be performed.
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Ensure that routine respiratory microbiology including bacteriology, urinary antigen, sputum, two sets of blood cultures if indicated are sent. Urine and faeces will seldom be required.
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Infection control procedures should be followed when collecting samples
It is important that PPE is worn correctly and our Infection Prevention and Control team have prepared videos which demonstrate the proper method for donning and doffing PPE.
This information is for people who may need to use PPE as part of their employment.