Pathlab respiratory virus community testing

With the winter season underway and the associated increase in respiratory virus circulation, Pathlab has provided updated guidance on diagnostic testing.

Funding for this type of testing is limited and must be targeted at the most sick and vulnerable patient populations, primarily those requiring hospitalisation.

This means, in the community, testing is severely limited and only available after consultation with a Clinical Microbiologist or Infectious Diseases Physician.

• SARS-CoV-2 testing – if you suspect your patient has COVID-19 infection you should perform a rapid antigen test (RAT) for this virus. There is no community funding available for SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing.
• Influenza testing – testing should be limited to those patients that are to receive anti-viral treatment and have been discussed with a clinical microbiologist or infectious diseases physician to gain prior approval for the test.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) testing – testing for this virus in the community setting is not normally required and should not be requested. It is available within the hospital setting for patients requiring admission.

Pathlab thank you for assisting in the appropriate use of these tests in a community setting.