As of January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern. For this reason, LifeLabs has implemented a series of proactive measures as a precaution to limit the risk of further transmitting the virus.
Therefore, we regret that we will be unable to provide laboratory service to customers who have:
- Fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness or pneumonia, AND
- Returned from China within the last 14-days OR:
- Have had close contact with an ill individual who is under investigation in relation to the coronavirus outbreak.
If your patient does not meet the requirement for Coronavirus positive screening, please have your patient return to LifeLabs with this signed form.
Important information on testing
The BCCDC Public Health Laboratory (PHL) has developed laboratory guidance for 2019-nCoV diagnostic testing. Such testing requires notification and consultation with the local Medical Health Officer and the BCCDC PHL Medical Microbiologist on-call (604-661-7033).
For regular updates, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website
For more information on diagnostics, reporting, and infection prevention and control, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website.