Novel Coronavirus Testing

05 February 2020

Please be aware that a current health alert is active for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Up-to-date information can be obtained from the Centre of Disease Controls Branch (CDCB) website by clicking here.

Information is also available from the Australian Government Department of Health website here.

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection information for health professionals is also available here.

Notification

Doctors are required to contact SA Health Communicable Disease Control Branch (CDCB) with a suspected case, phone 1300 232 272.

Sample Collection

SA Pathology recommends collection of a combined throat and deep nasal swab using a single Viral Transport Swab (Green top).

Sputum may be a more sensitive sample. If coughing, collection of both a throat/ nose swab and a sputum sample is recommended.

Sputum or other deep respiratory specimens should be submitted in patients who are negative on the swab specimen but have significant risk factors or continuing symptoms.

Personal protective equipment must be worn when collecting respiratory specimens from patients suspected of being infected with COVID-19. This includes N95/P2 masks, long sleeved gown, gloves and protective eyewear.

Collection Guide

How to collect a respiratory virus sample for novel Coronavirus COVID-19.

Specimen collection through SA Pathology

To support community medical practitioners who are unable to collect the specimen due to lack of access to PPE (personal protective equipment) or appropriate facilities, SA Pathology has established dedicated metropolitan services for the collection of specimens from patients with suspected COVID-19 infection.

These services are available through the:

• SA Pathology Domiciliary Service; and
• A dedicated Collection Centre.

Access to these services is only available through CDCB approval to the requesting doctor. Approval is obtained by contacting CDCB on 1300 232 272, available 24 hours / 7 days.

Doctors are required to note CDCB’s approval on the request form and include the approver’s name.  

Once approval has been provided, doctors should contact either the SA Pathology Domiciliary Service or the dedicated Coronavirus Collection Centre via:

• SA Pathology Domiciliary Service
  • Fax the request form to 8222 8950, or
  • Ring 8222 3000, selection option 4, then option 2.
    If the number is busy or the call is unanswered, please leave a message and your call will be returned.
• SA Pathology dedicated Coronavirus Collection Centre
  • Call 8222 3000, select option 4, then option 1 to book an appointment.

Doctors must provide the patient and family with a mask to wear when they attend the appointment.

Laboratory Testing

SA Pathology performs Coronavirus COVID-19 testing in the Royal Adelaide Hospital laboratory.

Results will be available within 24 hours of sample receipt in the laboratory.

Patients will incur no out-of-pocket expenses for Coronavirus COVID-19 tests performed by SA Pathology.

Regards,

Dr Tom Dodd

Clinical Service Director

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This information was published 5/2/2020 @ 6:46pm and reflects information available at that time.
The data available is likely to change over time and you are encouraged to visit the following resources for up to date information. 

• Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Health Professionals
• Collection of Respiratory Virus Specimens (pdf)