COVID - 19 for ISBOH Orders

Last Modified: 4/2/2020 9:21:46 AM


Client Notes: FROM THE ISDH
 Update and Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
 
As of January 21, 2020, several hundred human infections with a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) have been confirmed in China with at least 17 reported deaths. Additionally, exported cases have been reported in Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and the United States (Washington State). Initially most infected people reported exposure to a large seafood and animal market in Wuhan City, suggesting a potential zoonotic origin. However, a growing number of cases, including the exported cases, did not report visiting the market, indicating limited person-to-person transmission. Prevention and control measures are being implemented in several cities in China and traveler screenings are now in place in the US at the three primary ports of entry for travelers from Wuhan, including Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and New York (JFK). Screenings will also take place at Atlanta (ATL) and Chicago (ORD) airports starting the weekend of January 25. The CDC has not issued guidance at this time for screening at the Indianapolis (IND) airport. 
Public health officials and healthcare providers should consider 2019-nCoV infection as a potential etiology among travelers returning from Wuhan City, China with a severe respiratory illness, particularly if there was any close contact with an ill suspected or laboratory-confirmed 2019-nCoV patient. Criteria from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to evaluate patients are given below:


If 2019 n-CoV infection is suspected in a patient (as noted above), healthcare providers should immediately notify their local public health department and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) at (317) 233-7125 during normal business hours for consultation and testing authorization. For assistance after hours or on the weekends, contact (317) 233-1325 to reach the epidemiologist on call. 
 
Patient Preparation: For ISDH specimen collection information, please see the attached 2019-nCoV laboratory testing algorithm at https://www.in.gov/isdh/28470.htm or directly viewed here.  If testing is indicated, please call the ISDH.  
Specimen Requirements: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/guidelines-clinical-specimens.html

1 Nasopharyngeal Swab in a M4RT Vial(Red Cap Vial) LABLED Nasopharyngeal
Collection Instructions: Specimen collection and submission instructions and forms for the ISDH Laboratory can be found under the “Specimen Submission” section on the ISDH Novel Coronavirus (2019 n-CoV) webpage. For more information on specimen collection, submission, and testing, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019nCoV/guidelines-clinical-specimens.html or contact Brian Pope, ISDH Virology Lab Supervisor at 317921-5843 or Dr. Nicolas Epie, ISDH Virology Division Director at 317-921-5555 for ISDH specific questions.  

For further interim guidance on criteria to guide evaluation of patients under investigation (PUI) for 2019-nCoV, reporting and specimen collection recommendations, and infection prevention and control measures, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/clinical-criteria.html.  

**DO NOT TOUCH TONGUE DURING THROAT COLLECTION
Reference Range:

Refer to Interpretive Report
Methodology: Multiple
Clinical Significance: While CDC considers this is a serious public health concern, based on current information, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is considered low at this time.  
Documentation: CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including: • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.  Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
 
Health care providers and public health officials are encouraged to visit the ISDH Novel Coronavirus (2019 n-CoV) webpage for updated news and guidance on this outbreak.  This page will be updated at least weekly or as new information becomes available. For additional epidemiology questions regarding 2019-nCoV, please contact Sara Hallyburton, ISDH Respiratory Epidemiologist at shallyburton@isdh.in.gov or 317-234-2809.
Custom Panel: No

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

Sites Performed: State Board of Health
PHL Test Code: COVIN
EPIC Test Code: LAB14091
Alternate Test Names: COVID-19; Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
CPT Coding: .

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