Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Quick Reference for Health Workers
Quick Reference for Health Workers, Published 27 May 2020
This document is Quick Reference for Health Workers (27 May 2020) which covers the following:
- Background
- Clinical presentation and management of suspected cases
- Criteria for person under investigation (PUI)
- Infection prevention and control (IPC)
- Specimen collection for SARS-CoV-2 testing
- Case notification
- Collection of naso/oropharyngeal swabs
- NHLS laboratory contact details
The PUI definition has been updated
Any person presenting with an acute (≤14 days) respiratory tract infection or other clinical illness compatible with COVID-19, or an asymptomatic person who is a close contact of a confirmed case
Symptoms include ANY of the following respiratory symptoms: cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, anosmia (loss of sense of smell) or dysgeusia (alteration of the sense of taste), with or without other symptoms (which may include fever, weakness, myalgia, or diarrhoea)
Note: Asymptomatic close contacts should not be routinely tested despite meeting the suspected case definition. However, testing may be indicated in certain circumstances (e.g. institutions such as care homes)
Specimens required for CoV-2 PCR testing:
1. A single nasopharyngeal swab is the preferred sample type. When not possible, a single nasal mid-turbinate swab or nasal swab may be collected.
2. Transport swabs in UTM, sterile saline or dry in a sterile tube. Dry swabs are preferred to avoid leakage, but must reach the laboratory in <2 days. UTM should be used for samples that will take ≥2 days to reach the laboratory.
3. Sputum (if produced – do NOT induce), tracheal aspirates orbronchoalveolar lavage should additionally be collected for severe cases
These guidelines have been reproduced verbatim as per the NICD & National Department of Health document . EMGuidance confirms that it is not the owner of the information provided, nor does it intend to present it as such.