As Northern Arizona Healthcare continues to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 within our communities, collection of patient specimens to be tested is dependent on availability of supplies. Collection supplies are in high demand and the available amount varies day to day.
“The Northern Arizona Healthcare COVID-19 Steering Committee has developed tiered testing guidelines based on CDC guidelines. We are adjusting which tiers we are collecting samples for based on whether collection kit supplies are available. We are currently testing Tiers 1, 2, 3 at NAH facilities,” said Dr. John Mougin, Chief Quality Officer.
Collection sites operated by Coconino County may be testing for different tiers than Northern Arizona Healthcare.
Tier 1 – Critically ill patients
- Critically ill patients receiving critical-care level services with unexplained viral pneumonia or respiratory failure, regardless of travel history or close contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.
- Residents of a Long Term Care facility with fever or signs/symptoms of a lower respiratory tract illness regardless of need for hospitalization.
Tier 2 – Hospitalized patients suspected of having COVID-19
- Patients requiring non-critical care hospitalization with unexplained viral pneumonia or respiratory failure.
- People critical to the pandemic response, including healthcare workers with direct patient care responsibilities, with fever or signs/symptoms of a lower respiratory tract illness.
Tier 3 – Not hospitalized but displaying symptoms and at higher risk
- Patients in outpatient settings, such as clinics, Immediate Care, drive-up collection sites or the Emergency Department, who have fever or signs/symptoms of a lower respiratory tract illness and co-morbid conditions, such as diabetes, COPD, congestive heart failure, older than 50, immunocompromised hosts, among others, but not requiring hospitalization.
- Pregnant women who have fever or signs/symptoms of a lower respiratory tract illness, not requiring hospitalization.
- People younger than 18 with risk factors for complications – such as immunosuppression, chronic heart and lung disease, etc. – who have fever or signs/symptoms of a lower respiratory tract illness, and do not requiring hospitalization.
- Healthcare workers without direct patient care responsibilities, with fever or signs/symptoms of a lower respiratory tract illness.
- Patients who live or work in congregate settings: jails, daycare, homeless shelter, dorms or other high risk settings.
Tier 4 – Lower risk and community surveillance
- Patients (adults and children) in outpatient settings who have fever or signs/symptoms of a lower respiratory tract illness testing without comorbidities, and not requiring hospitalization.
- Community surveillance as directed by public health and/or infectious diseases authorities.