Laboratory Tests Help Confirm Swine Flu Cases
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising doctors and other health care providers to consider testing for Swine influenza in patients who present with flu-like symptoms. If the initial flu test is positive for influenza A, the laboratory performing the initial test will send the sample to their state Public Health Laboratory or the CDC to perform tests that detect the swine-origin H1N1 virus.
Most routine test results are available within 24 hours. BTL result reports list specific reference ranges based on age and gender as appropriate. Result reports are available for our clients through courier delivery, auto-faxing, internet via web or telecommunication to an on-site printer.
For results that are requested to be called or faxed, the laboratory will perform the test at the next scheduled run and results will be as soon as possible after completion. Please provide the appropriate phone or fax number on the requisition.
For results that are requested STAT, the laboratory will perform the test immediately upon receipt of the specimen and will call upon completion of the test. Please provide the appropriate telephone number on the requisition. The physician will be paged if necessary. Additional fees may apply.
Critical values will be called to the physician or other designated personnel upon completion. The physician will be paged if necessary.
