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.