Pathology | Eastern Health

Test & Collection Guide

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COVID-19 PCR

Ordering information:

Test for detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of COVID-19.

Alternate names:

COVID, SARS-CoV-2

Laboratory:

Microbiology

Test Code:

RESPCO

Specimen types:

Nasopharyngeal swab
NTS - nose & throat swab
Sputum

Container types:

Viral Transport Media - Nasopharyngeal
Viral Transport Media- Nasopharyngeal

Collection Instructions:

Nasal/oropharyngeal swab in RED Copan viral transport medium (or GREEN Kang Jian viral transport medium)

Paediatric - Nasopharyngeal swab in RED Copan viral transport medium

Notes:

Samples MUST be in a clear specimen bag within an outer GREEN specimen bag

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.

Frequency:

Daily

Laboratory Use Only

If EMR is not available, Pathology results are available from Auscare. If you do not have an Auscare login,please complete attached form. https://pathology.easternhealth.org.au/handbook/downloads/Auscare%20user%20Form%20LIS.pdf

Instruction on how to use Auscare - https://pathology.easternhealth.org.au/handbook/downloads/Auscare%20instructions.pdf

SPECIMEN COLLECTION MODULE (SCM) FAQs - CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE for Consent form to perform tests not covered by Medicare

CLICK HERE for Minimum Labelling Requirements

For Microbiology Swab Collection https://pathology.easternhealth.org.au/handbook/downloads/microbiology/Microbiology%20Swab%20Specimen%20Collection.pdf

Printable Pathology request form https://pathology.easternhealth.org.au/handbook/downloads/2025%20A5%20referral%20slip_2%20pages.docx

"THE ART OF CCCCOLLECTION"

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE PREFERRED ORDER OF DRAW

Feedback

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