Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
COVID-19 Testing Algorithm

COVID-19 Testing Algorithm

Admission/Emergency Department/Pre-op

ONE SYMPTOM (CATEGORY A)

  • Fevers/chills/sweats
  • Loss of taste/smell
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting/diarrhea
  • Runny nose/sneezing

OR

TWO OR MORE SYMPTOMS (CATEGORY B)

  • Muscle aches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache
  • Unexplained skin rash
  • Fatigue

If YES to ONE Category A symptom, or TWO Category B symptoms, or unable to obtain history, test for COVID-19.

Testing for COVID-19 is unnecessary in symptomatic patients if PCR positive in the past 30 days.

Always include test for influenza A/B and RSV during seasonal epidemics.

IPC Precautions: Droplet/Contact (plus Airborne precautions if AGMP) for all suspect/proven viral respiratory infections.

If admitted to oncology ward, test for COVID-19.

Do not test if POCT/PCR positive within the past 90 days.

IPC Precautions: Routine Practices.

Routine testing is only require for patients who meet the criteria above.

IPC Precautions: Routine (may be modified based upon PCRA).

Pre-op testing is required if patient meets symptom criteria

Admission Testing is required if patient meets: 

  1. Symptom Criteria, or
  2. Surveillance Criteria
  • Routine repeat COVID-19 testing is not recommended for patients who have tested negative for COVID-19.

  • Retesting is only required if the patient’s clinical condition worsens (i.e. respiratory symptoms), and there are known risk factors., etc.