To: Members of the RWJUH Medical Staff
From: RWJUH Laboratory
Date: March 5, 2020
Re: Suspension of Viral Cultures

In accordance with recent CDC recommendations, the RWJUH Laboratory is suspending Viral cultures on respiratory samples effective today 3/5/2020. Most pathogens can be tested using respiratory panels available in laboratory; if a strong clinical indication for CMV testing is present, the sample can be sent-out for CMV PCR.

In addition, due to higher demand, we anticipate a possible shortage of respiratory viral panel kits; please order these tests judiciously. Should a critical shortage be reached, these tests will require consultation with the Microbiology Director on-call.

For questions or clarifications please contact Microbiology supervisor Shandline Estime or the Microbiology Director on-call at 732-507-8418.
Special Edition: Medically Necessary Podcast
on Coronavirus Update
On Tuesday, March 3rd , Dr. Salwitz & Chris Hoenig sat down with RWJUH Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Boruchoff and RWJUH Director of Infection Prevention Pat Lafaro for a special episode of the Medical Staff podcast, Medically Necessary , discussing the latest on Coronavirus .

In addition to preventative measures you can take to protect yourself, the team goes through various scenarios, and how healthcare providers should react.
Don't have access to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts?   CLICK HERE   to access via SoundCloud.  
We are always interested in hearing your stories! Want to be a guest on an upcoming episode of  Medically Necessary?   Email Chris Hoenig   today!