The virtual CF clinic: Implications for sputum microbiology.
J Cyst Fibros
; 20(4): 699-701, 2021 07.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-912332
ABSTRACT
The COVID19 pandemic has shifted the paradigm of how outpatient clinics are delivered within CF care, resulting in a significant reduction of patient visits to CF centres. One consequence of this has been a reduction in the number of sputa/cough swabs that patients submit for routine analysis. This report examines why it is important to maintain optimal sputum microbiology and explores (i). the microbiological efficiency of postal submission of sputum specimens from the community and (ii) the regulatory conditions that must be met through postal submission of respiratory specimens. Virtual clinics have now been established within CF care and it is incumbent on each speciality within the CF MDT to explore ways to nurture and support their individual contribution to the success of the virtual clinic. Within microbiology, adopting innovative approaches to sputum collection in the community and transportation via postal services will allow for continued microbiological vigilance thereby supporting patient safety.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Sputum
/
Telemedicine
/
Cystic Fibrosis
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
J Cyst Fibros
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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