As we are entering the influenza season and are still seeing significant increases in COVID-19 patients, updates on available flu and COVID-19 testing are listed below with guidance to ordering the appropriate test for your patients.
Current Process – Influenza NOT Present in the Community
Below are two (2) scenarios for testing and admitting a symptomatic ED patient for COVID-19
| Scenario #1 | Scenario #2 | |
| Abbott Rapid COVID-19 Test | Positive | Negative |
| ALERE Rapid Flu test | n/a | n/a |
| Admission unit (if applicable) | Admit to C-19 Unit | Admit to non–C–19 Unit |
| Additional COVID-19, influenza, or VRP testing needed | No other tests | Consider Roche PCR if high COVID-19 risk |
Initiate When Influenza Is Present in the Community
Both the Abbott Rapid COVID-19 test and the ALERE Rapid flu test should be done on all patients presenting with symptoms and workup consistent with a viral pneumonia.
Below are four (4) scenarios for testing and admitting a symptomatic ED patient for COVID-19, influenza, and viral respiratory.
| Scenario #1 | Scenario #2 | Scenario #3 | Scenario #4** | |
| Abbott Rapid COVID-19 Test | Positive | Positive | Negative | Negative |
| ALERE Rapid Flu test | Negative | Positive | Positive | Negative |
| Admission unit (if applicable) | Admit to C-19 Unit | Admit to C-19 Unit | Admit to non–C–19 Unit | Admit to non–C–19 Unit |
| Additional COVID-19, Influenza, or VRP testing needed | no other tests | no other tests | consider Roche PCR if high COVID-19 suspicion | order VRPC** = Biofire Viral Respiratory Panel with SARS-CoV-2 |
** Scenario #4: VRPC cannot be ordered unless both an Abbott Rapid test and an Alere Rapid Flu test are negative
The attached table is a reference for all COVID-19 related testing that is available to providers inside the network:
COVID-19 Orders
