Upper Respiratory Infections (URI) include symptoms such as cough, congestion, sore throat, fever, and fatigue. The goal of prep is to ensure rapid testing is ready so the provider can diagnose and treat quickly.


📚 Resources Needed

  • Besa EHR
  • Stainless Steel Tray
  • Rapid COVID Test Kit
  • Rapid Flu Test Kit
  • Rapid Strep Test Kit
  • Swabs (nasal + throat as required)
  • PPE:
    • Gloves
    • Mask
  • Biohazard disposal supplies


🚀 Tips & Tricks

  • Prep before patient arrive. Please make sure to have a mask there at the front in case they come in without one. 
     
  • Trigger symptoms:
    • Cough
    • Fever
    • Sore throat
    • Congestion
    • “Cold/Flu symptoms”
       
  • Assume testing will be needed → prep COVID + flu + strep
     
  • Sore throat = strep test is critical
     
  • Use proper PPE for every suspected URI patient
     
  • Move quickly—these visits should be efficient as we don’t want them to spend an extended period of time in the coffee shop. 


📘 Step-by-Step Instructions


|1. Identify URI Appointments

  • Review schedule in Besa EHR
  • Look for respiratory-related complaints
  • ⚠️When the Patient arrives, be sure to have a face mask available for them. If they came without one, kindly ask them if they would like a mask. Direct them to the chairs in the corner closest to the office. 


2. Prepare Testing Supplies

Set up all rapid tests:

  • Rapid COVID test kit
  • Rapid Flu test kit
  • Rapid Strep test kit

Include:

  • Nasal swabs (COVID/flu)
  • Throat swabs (strep)
  • Test cards/devices
  • Reagents (if applicable)


3. Set Up Procedure Tray

  • Place all supplies on stainless steel tray
  • Add sticky note with patient’s first name
  • Keep layout clean and ready for immediate use


4. PPE Preparation

  • Put on:
    • Gloves
    • Mask
  • Ensure patient is masked if symptomatic


5. During Testing

  • Assist provider or perform swabs if delegated
  • Use correct technique:
    • Nasal swab for COVID/flu
    • Throat swab for strep (tonsillar pillars, avoid tongue)
  • Start tests immediately after collection


6. After Testing

  • Dispose of all materials in biohazard container
  • Record results in Besa EHR promptly
  • Notify provider as soon as results are ready


7. Room Turnover

  • Fully disinfect all surfaces
  • Pay extra attention to high-touch areas
  • Reset room for next patient


⚠️ Critical Reminders

  • Default = run COVID + flu + strep unless provider says otherwise
  • Poor swab technique = false results → affects care
  • Do not delay running tests after collection
  • PPE is not optional
  • Clean immediately after visit


📞 Support

If tests are missing or supplies are low, notify support immediately before the patient arrives.