Clinics to distribute specimen bottles

July 25, 2020

The Hospital Authority announced today that specimen bottles will be available at 22 of its general out-patient clinics from July 27 for members of the public to collect their deep throat saliva samples for virus testing.

 

Tentatively running for four weeks, the voluntary test arrangement ties in with the Government's epidemic control strategy on early detection of COVID-19 infection to minimise the risk of community transmission.

 

Individuals who perceive themselves to have a higher risk of exposure and experience mild discomfort may obtain the specimen collection packs from 7.30 to 8.30am, Monday to Friday, except public holidays, in the designated area outside the 22 clinics.

 

The pack contains a specimen collection bottle, packaging plastic bags and guidelines for the collection of deep throat saliva samples. Only one pack will be distributed to each person while stocks last.

     

Each of these clinics will distribute 110 specimen collection packs every day. The participant is required to return the deep throat saliva specimen with proper packaging within three working days, together with the necessary information for laboratory tests.

     

For specimens that test positive for COVID-19, the participants concerned will be notified by the Centre for Health Protection for admission to public hospitals as soon as possible. Participants should assume the test result is negative if they do not receive a notification within three working days after submitting the specimen.

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