Multiplex PCR testing for respiratory pathogens—including influenza, RSV, COVID-19 and others—supports rapid and accurate diagnosis in patients with respiratory symptoms. Early identification enables clinicians to initiate targeted treatments, such as antivirals for influenza and COVID-19, which can significantly reduce the risk of severe infection and complications in high-risk individuals.
Rapid diagnosis also facilitates timely implementation of infection prevention and control measures, helping to limit transmission and prevent outbreaks—especially in high-risk settings such as aged care and healthcare facilities.
Additionally, avoiding inappropriate antibiotic use is critical to preserving the effectiveness of current antibiotics, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis.
Multiplex PCR Testing in Your State
Click the relevant button below to view details about Multiplex PCR Testing for respiratory pathogens in your state.
VIC/QLDNSW/ACTSA/NTWA
COVID-19 Testing
Clinical Labs offers testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) as part of our Respiratory Multiplex PCR testing, available in all states. A doctor’s referral is required.
Unlike influenza and RSV, COVID-19 has not shown clear seasonality. Accurate and timely diagnosis remains important particularly for individuals at high risk of complications from respiratory infections, including the elderly, children under 6 months of age, pregnant women (including up to 2 weeks postpartum) and those with chronic conditions or immunosuppression.
Testing for Symptomatic Patients
Patients requiring symptomatic COVID-19 testing can visit any Clinical Labs collection centre with a valid doctor's referral. For testing in Western Australia, please direct patients to use the location finder on our website (clinicallabs.com.au/location) and select 'Respiratory/Flu Testing WA' to locate their nearest suitable site.
Long COVID
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines “post COVID-19 condition” (commonly referred to as Long COVID) as a range of symptoms—such as fatigue, shortness of breath and cognitive dysfunction—that persist for more than 12 weeks after initial infection and last for at least two months. These symptoms can be intermittent, overlapping and significantly impact daily functioning. Approximately 5% of patients continue to experience symptoms beyond 12 weeks following COVID infection.
Clinical assessment of patients with suspected Long COVID syndrome can be challenging due to the broad and overlapping symptom profile. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline on Long COVID outlines commonly reported symptoms, which are grouped into the following categories: respiratory / ENT and cardiovascular, generalised and neurological, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal / skin.
Targeted laboratory investigations are essential in supporting the assessment of patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of Long COVID. Clinical Labs has developed a structured approach to aid this process—beginning with an initial set of baseline investigations, followed by more targeted testing based on the patient’s specific symptom profile.
Single-click ordering for “Long COVID” Test Profiles available with Clinical Labs eOrders
Instead of adding each test individually, click through to our eOrders screen and navigate to ‘Clinical Recommendations’ (MD) or ‘Clinical details’ (BP), where you will find the Long COVID test profiles described above pre-configured, and can be ordered with the click of a button. Test profiles can also be searched for via the main eOrders search bar. |
Please refer to the doctor resources below for a comprehensive list of commonly reported Long COVID symptoms, as well as details on recommended baseline and follow-up investigations available through Clinical Labs.
Further Resources
Strengthening Antimicrobial Stewardship
Preserving the effectiveness of currently available antibiotics is critical. Avoiding inappropriate antibiotic use helps prolong their efficacy and combat the rise of antimicrobial resistance.
Recommendations for improved prescribing practices include:
- Adhering to clinical guidelines
- Implementing antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs
- Educating staff, patients and families
- Encouraging appropriate diagnostic testing, such as: PCR testing for respiratory viruses, sputum/throat microscopy and culture, and urine testing when symptomatic
- Regularly reassessing and de-escalating therapy based on clinical progress and test results