Physicians must complete the following prior to submitting samples for SARS testing:

1. Contact the Massachusetts State Epidemiologist on call at 617-983-6800.

2. A state lab requisition will be sent to the physician. This requisition will include a CDC case number and space for information concerning the patient sample to be sent.

3. A copy of the State Lab Requisition and CDC case number must accompany patient samples sent to the BWH Microbiology Lab. If this information is not received with the specimens, the physician will be contacted and asked to obtain the requisition and CDC case number and FAX it to the microbiology lab at (617) 277-1762.

4. Please note that patient samples will only be held for 24 hours awaiting the receipt of the completed State Lab requisition and CDC case number. If the State Lab requisition and CDC case number are not received within 24 hours, the patient samples will be discarded.

5. Once the specimens, State Lab requisition and CDC case number are received, the BWH Microbiology Lab will forward the approved samples to the State Lab via BWH Lab Control. The samples will then be forwarded to CDC by the State Lab.

6. Please notify BWH Infection Control of all patients on whom SARS testing is ordered: 617-732-6785 BWH beeper # 11482.