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SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME

Availability of SARS Testing

SARS-Associated Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) PCR and Serology testing is available at the Wyoming Public Health Laboratory through the Bioterrorism Response Laboratory emerging diseases efforts.

 

Quick Reference Downloadable Forms
SARS Test Request Form
Collection & Handling of Specimens for Evaluation of Potential Cases of SARS 
Quick Reference for SARS Specimen Collection and Handling
Supply Order Form 

CDC Resources
CDC SARS Laboratory Site
Packing Diagnostic Specimens for Transport: Summary Instructions
Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

OSHA Resources
OSHA FIT Testing

 

Consultation on Suspect SARS Cases
Due to the potential for a variety of respiratory illnesses to present with similar symptoms, the Wyoming Public Health Laboratory will only test samples that meet the CDC case definition following consultation with the WDH Epidemiology section.  For consultation please contact the WDH Epidemiology Section at 307-777-7172 or 1-888-996-9104.  The most current CDC case definition is listed below.

Once the WDH Epidemiology Section has determined the patient meets the CDC case definition please contact the Wyoming Public Health Laboratory to facilitate specimen testing.  Complete and send the SARS Test Request Form with specimens.

Collection and Handling of Specimens for the Evaluation of Potential Cases of SARS is a complete guide to specimen collection and shipping and provides all the information needed to determine appropriate timing of specimen collection. The Quick Reference for SARS Specimen Collection and Handling is a concise one-page reference guide for determining the optimal specimen and ideal timing for collection.

 

Case Definition: Clinical Criteria

  • Asymptomatic or mild respiratory illness
  • Moderate respiratory illness
    • Temperature of >100.4°F (>38°C), and
    • One or more clinical findings of respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or hypoxia).
  • Severe respiratory illness
    • Temperature of >100.4°F (>38°C), and
    • One or more clinical findings of respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or hypoxia), and
      • radiographic evidence of pneumonia, or
      • respiratory distress syndrome, or
      • autopsy findings consistent with pneumonia or respiratory distress syndrome without an identifiable cause.

 Epidemiologic Criteria:

  • Travel (including transit in an airport) within 10 days of onset of symptoms to an area with current or previously documented or suspected community transmission of SARS or
  • Close contact within 10 days of onset of symptoms with a person known or suspected to have SARS.

PACKAGING and SHIPPING
Specimens should be transported by overnight carrier and labeled as diagnostic specimens according to federal shipping regulations.  For details on shipping and packaging of human specimens download the Collection and Handling of Specimens for the Evaluation of Potential Cases of SARS. 

 

For information on packaging and shipping of diagnostic specimens see one of the following:

US Postal Services

http://pe.usps.gov/

Department of Transportation

http://hazmat.dot.gov/

International Air Transportation Association

http://www.iata.org/

 For additional information on SARS testing call the PHL during business hours: 307-777-7431, Emergencies after hours: 1-888-996-9104