Table 2.

Diagnostic Approach to Patients With Possible SARS^*

Chest radiograph Sputum Gram stain and culture, blood culture Pulse oximetry Consider testing for other pathogens such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, Legionella Save clinical specimens (respiratory, blood, serum, stool) for possible additional testing until a definitive diagnosis is made Acute and convalescent serum (>21 days after symptom onset) Contact local and state health departments for SARS-CoV testing

^*SARS = severe acute respiratory syndrome; SARS-CoV = SARS corona-virus.