17. INFECTION CONTROL WHILE COLLECTING/PROCESSING SPECIMEN

· Procedures that induce coughing and encourage the production of more respiratory droplets from SARS patients such as aerosolized medications, diagnostic sputum induction, bronchoscopy, airway suctioning and endotracheal intubation should only be performed when absolutely necessary.

· Personnel taking care of the SARS patients instead of the laboratory staff should obtain clinical specimens.

· Healthcare personnel should observe Standard, Airborne, Droplet and Contact Precautions in collecting and handling specimens. Full PPE must be worn including gown, apron, eye protection, gloves and N95 mask. Gloves must be changed between patients.

· Processing of laboratory specimens of SARS suspect and probable cases will be done at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine virology laboratory. The reference laboratory must be informed of the plan to collect and send specimens from hospitals so that proper guidance can be given regarding the correct media to use, store and transport specimens.