Figure 1 - Text Equivalent

This image is the laboratory protocol for microbiological investigations of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).

Residing at the top of th flow chart is a “Suspected SARI Case” box that has had common pathogens ruled out and no epidemiological risk factors.

Reporting to the “Suspected SARI Case” box is the “Contact MOH” box (Minister of Health)

Reporting to the “Contact MOH” box is the “Risk Assessment” box

The “Low” box links to the left side of the “Risk Assessment” box and the “High” box links to the right side.

The “Rule out (R/O) Conventional agents first” box links to the “Low” box and lists Sputum (bacterial ± Legionella), Nasopharyngeal swab in viral transport media (viral studies), Aerobic blood cultures x 2. There is a footnote after viral studies indicating to Contact Microbiologist on call for guidance regarding appropriate test.

The “Empirical treatment” box reports to the “Rule out (R/O) Conventional agents first” box.

The “Contact Microbiologist on Call at the PPHL” links to the “High” box.

The “Rule Out (R/O) Conventional agents PLUS” box links to the “High” box and lists additional nasopharyngeal swab, viral throat swab (in viral transport media), acute serology, endotracheal secretions, BAL, tissue (not in formalin), etc if available and appropriate.

The “Rule Out (R/O) Conventional agents PLUS” box links to the “Empirical treatment, Consider Infectious Disease Consultation”

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