× Test Guide Collection Guides Guidelines News Contact Useful Links

News

Respiratory Virus Testing

Updated 9 Dec 2022

RSV is still present in low numbers, mostly in young children. 

Influenza is not circulating, but we are seeing occasional cases come in with travellers from the Northern Hemisphere.

New cases of COVID-19 are still occuring.  Inpatient COVID numbers are steady at about 20 most days. We try to identify the majority of cases as they come in, many of whom have COVID contributing to their overall condition. 

Emergency Department patients with respiratory illness are now only routinely being tested for SARS-Cov-2, but under 5 year olds are also screened for RSV.  Asymptomatic patients admitted from ED are all being screened for SARS-CoV-2 by a loop mediated amplification (LAMP) test, which compares well with PCR and is sensitive enough to detect historical cases from 2 or 3 months ago.  RSV, Influenza and Adenovirus testing are available for any patient, on request.

Respiratory swabs received from the community (GPs) are tested for either SARS-CoV-2 alone or other viruses, as requested.

 

Dr Chris Mansell

Clinical Microbiologist

 

 

Latest laboratory specimen collection information can be found here

Waikato Respiratory Virus Report 2022 Week 44

09 11 2022

We are now in a summer pattern, with low numbers of all viruses. SARS-CoV-2 is making a small resurgence (data not shown in this report).

Read More

Waikato Lab Testing Report: SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and RSV 13 Oct 2022

13 10 2022

The burden of illness from SARS-CoV-2, as assessed by inpatient admissions, has fallen from the peaks in July and August.

Read More

Waikato Respiratory Virus Report 2022 Week 40

13 10 2022

Test numbers have dipped, as we are no longer routinely testing adults for RSV.   A diversity of other viruses are circulating in the Waikato, including some RSV.

Read More

Waikato Respiratory Virus Report 2022 Week 39

04 10 2022

RSV is still circulating.   SARS-CoV-2 is stable at lower levels.   Rhinoviruses are the third most prevalent group, followed by Metapneumovirus and the Adenoviruses.

Read More

Waikato Respiratory Virus Report 2022 Week 37

21 09 2022

RSV and Rhinovirus continue to circulate in the Waikato.

Read More