Testing for COVID-19 must occur in accordance with the COVID-19 Testing Directions (external site).
Testing criteria
Testing locations
GeneXpert COVID rapid test
Point of Care Serology Testing (POC)
Given the serious limitations and risks associated with the COVID-19 point of Care (POC) serology tests for acute detection and diagnostic purposes, the Chief Health Officer deemed them an unacceptable risk to be used in that way and has prohibited them under the Public Health Act 2016 (external site). The prohibition applies to all persons, whether health professionals or not and includes the acute screening of staff for work purposes.
Their use as a screening tool for people post infection and for research public health screening purposes is not prohibited. Other POC polymerase chain reaction tests are not affected by these restrictions.
Laboratory Serology Testing
An individual develops antibodies as part of an immune response to a virus. Serology testing for COVID-19 involves measuring antibody levels in a blood sample. It does not play a role in the diagnosis of acute illness, however it may be useful for the diagnosis of past COVID-19 infection. Widespread use of serology testing to determine whether a person has previously had COVID-19 is not recommended, but it can be useful in identifying historical cases of infection in a person with a compatible illness and identified risk factors, such as overseas travel or contact with a confirmed case. It can also be a useful tool to identify an index (first) case, when the source of an outbreak is unclear.
GPs to receive COVID-19 test results
COVID-19 Clinic staff are now collecting GP information (where available) with the consent of the person presenting for testing.
This information will be added to the PathWest request form and PathWest will process and send out results as per usual.
Communication of both negative and positive results to GPs, particularly for Covid-19 positive patients recovering in their homes, provides the opportunity for more comprehensive follow up as appropriate.
Laboratory testing information