Date

Field

Changed From

Changed To

Method

The following specimens will be referred for testing-

Sputum, Bronchial Washings, Bronchoalveolar Lavages - VIDRL

Swab specimens for Respiratory Multiplex PCR will be referred to Monash Molecular Laboratory

The following specimens will be referred for testing-

Sputum, Bronchial Washings, Bronchoalveolar Lavages - VIDRL

As of Feb 2023 swab specimens for Respiratory Multiplex PCR will be tested in-house.

Preferred Specimen Type

Nasopharyngeal swab
Nasopharyngeal Aspirate

Nasopharyngeal swab
NTS - nose & throat swab
Nasopharyngeal Aspirate

Optional Specimen Type

Sputum
Bronchial Washings
Broncho-alveolar Lavage

Preferred Container Type

Viral Transport Media- Nasopharyngeal
Respiratory aspiration pot

Viral Transport Media- Nasopharyngeal
Respiratory aspiration pot
respiratory PCR requirements

Collection & Request Instructions

Please note these swabs are available from stores.

Search for: VIRAL TRANSPORT MEDIA - NASOPHARYNGEAL

Pathology do not keep a stock of these swabs. Emergency departments and wards should manage a supply of these swabs according to demand.

Please note these swabs are available from stores.

Pathology do not keep a stock of these swabs. Emergency departments and wards should manage a supply of these swabs according to demand.

Method

All tests for respiratory virus PCR are considered urgent and must be delivered to the laboratory ASAP.

ICU/Oncology patients testing negative for Flu A/B and RSV  will be referred to Monash for respiratory virus panel. This includes Influenza A virus, Influenza B virus, Respiratory Syncitial Virus, Picornavirus (RV/EV), Parainfluenza viruses 1,2 and 3, Adenovirus, Human Metapneumovirus, Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella species, Chlamydiaceae.

The following specimens will be referred for testing-

Sputum, Bronchial Washings, Bronchoalveolar Lavages

Specimens for Respiratory Multiplex PCR will be referred to Monash Molecular Laboratory

Contact Monash Pathology 9594 4532 or if no answer try Bacteriology 9594 4565 as there is someone rostered 24/7

The following specimens will be referred for testing-

Sputum, Bronchial Washings, Bronchoalveolar Lavages - VIDRL

Swab specimens for Respiratory Multiplex PCR will be referred to Monash Molecular Laboratory

Notes

This PCR will detect and identify: Influenza A virus, Influenza B virus and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Transport at room temperature to the Laboratory

Testing is performed at Box Hill, Angliss, and Maroondah.

Samples received after hours may have a longer TAT due to other urgent critical pathology testing occurring.

This PCR will detect and identify: Influenza A virus, Influenza B virus and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Transport at room temperature to the Laboratory

Testing is performed at Box Hill, Angliss, and Maroondah.

DO NOT send samples in the Pathology Chute

For Rapid testing from Emergency Department - swab must be accompanied by signed Rapid Test Authorisation Form.

DO NOT call the laboratory for results/enquiries. Inpatient tests will be prioritised and results available on EMR ASAP.

Sputum samples are referred to an external laboratory - results will be delayed.