Health Alert
Network Message
20-18: Updated
Testing Criteria at
State and
Commercial Labs
Origination Date:
March 19, 2020

Revision Dates (list all revision dates):

Updated Guidance for COVID-19 Testing at State and Commercial Laboratories
If you have an ambulatory patient that does not fit the COVID-19 testing criteria for
the State Laboratory, please follow all testing and shipping guidance from the
commercial laboratory, including specimen collection, specimen container, and
submission criteria.
Testing at the State Laboratory
Only the following patients are appropriate for COVID-19 testing at the State Laboratory at
this time:
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Hospitalized patients with a severe respiratory illness with no other known cause.
Suspect outbreak of COVID-19 among associated individuals with recent onset of
similar fever and lower respiratory symptoms.
Recent fever and lower respiratory symptoms in a healthcare worker with direct
contact to a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case.
Suspect COVID-19 in a patient associated with a high-risk exposure setting such as a
long-term care facility or a correctional facility.
Suspect COVID-19 in a homeless patient.

Clinicians who suspect COVID-19 in a patient who fits the criteria for testing at the State
Laboratory should call 1-800-256-2748 for approval. Please do not call the testing number
for any patient not meeting the criteria for testing at the State Lab.
Updated Guidance for COVID-19 Testing at the State Laboratory
Specimen Container(s):
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HAN

Viral Transport Media
o All commercially prepared Viral Transport Media is acceptable as
long as you are using an acceptable swab.
o You may NOT use cotton tipped swabs, calcium alginate swabs or
swabs with wooden shafts, as they may contain substances that
inactivate some viruses and inhibit PCR testing.
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In-House Prepared Viral Transport Media
o In-House prepared Viral Transport Media (VTM) prepared and
validated to meet CLIA requirements is an acceptable alternative.
o You may NOT use cotton tipped swabs, calcium alginate swabs or
swabs with wooden shafts, as they may contain substances that
inactivate some viruses and inhibit PCR testing.

We understand the availability for transport media is an immediate concern. Our Laboratory
is continuing to evaluate other options for specimen collection supplies, and we will update
this guidance accordingly as this information becomes available. At this time, alternatives
such Amies-based transport media and saline are NOT acceptable until the use of this
media can be validated and acceptable by all appropriate regulatory authorities. Specimen
collection requirements are a critical factor to ensure our Laboratory is reporting accurate
and reliable results.
Specimen Collection
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Nasopharynx (NP) swabs are acceptable.
Specimens must be labeled with 2 identifiers: patient name and PUI LA 2020 number.
Complete a LAB requisition form (LAB96) to accompany the sample. Enter the PUI #
on the form as the second identifier.
For prioritization, please indicate patient acuity in the top left corner of the Lab
requisition form (Ex: ICU, inpatient, discharged from ED, healthcare worker working
with vulnerable patients, etc.)
OPH Lab Requisition form http://www.ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Center-PHCH/CenterCH/lab/LabForms/Labform96072019.pdf.

Submitter Set-Up
Please complete this form as soon as possible . This form will allow the laboratory to
update the main contact for your facility. It is a best practice to have a central Fax # for
results and, if approved by the organization, a single, default Ordering Physician. Clinicians
can be noted on the report without creating new entries in the LIMS system. Please
encourage employees at your facility to direct questions to your central contact. The
Submitter Update- Secure Fax Form can be found at: https://ldhoph.qualtraxcloud.com/ShowDocument.aspx?ID=6435.
Specimen Transport
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HAN

Transport specimens at 2-8°C and ship for receipt within 72 hours of collection.
Transport specimen to laboratory as soon as possible after collection. Any specimens
received outside of required temperatures will be rejected. Adequate amounts of
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coolant (e.g. ice packs, gel packs, etc.) need to be added during transport of the
specimen to ensure arrival at 2-8°C.
Alternately, if shipping is delayed, specimens should be frozen at -70°C or lower and
shipped overnight on dry ice.

1. Courier Transport
Once you obtain approval for testing by OPH IDEpi (1-800-256-2748) then you
can request a pickup by emailing the courier directly at If you are in an area
identified as a cluster of cases, then prescheduled, dedicated routes that have been
implemented mean that you do not need to contact the courier.
Released Patient Reports
Results can be expected within 48-72 hours upon specimen receipt at the OPH
Laboratory . Please allow ample time for analysis hours before contacting the
laboratory. Providers will be contacted with patient positive results using the contact
information provided on the Submitter Fax Form (above).
Communications
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HAN

For specimen related transport and analysis inquiries except results
Provider Help Phone Line: 225-219-5265 (M-F 8am-4:30pm) or
email COVIDLAB@LA.GOV (7a-Midnight daily)
For approval to submit testing and test results contact Infectious Disease
Epidemiology (IDEpi) Section: 1-800-256-2748

Bureau of Community Preparedness

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