Due to the current surge of COVID-19 cases, St. Luke’s Medical Center would require a COVID-19 swab test for all patients, their companions and visitors, effective March 29, 2021. 

For your information and reference, please refer to the following new set of guidelines:

PATIENTS

ER ADMISSION

All patients, regardless of the case, will be swabbed using rapid RT-PCR test prior to admission. Waiting for the test result is highly recommended for proper management. Please note that the patient’s condition will properly assessed based on exhibited signs and symptoms.

Patients who need emergency surgical procedure will be attended to at the COVID-designated OR pending the swab result.

 

DIRECT ADMISSION (non-surgical cases)

Patients with a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR result no longer than 3 days prior to admission date; and those with no COVID-like symptoms nor high-risk exposure for the past 14 days will be accommodated.

Patients unable to present any swab test result will be directed to ER for triaging and assessment.

 

ELECTIVE SURGICAL and GYNECOLOGICAL cases

Patients scheduled for elective surgeries must present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR result no longer than 3 days prior to the procedure. COVID positive patients will undergo the procedure in the hospital’s COVID-designated OR, except for conditions that require the main OR setting*.

For patients with COVID-like symptoms for the past 10 days or with high-risk exposure for the past 14 days will be assessed if a repeat RT-PCR test would be required.

 

OBSTETRICAL cases

Patients who will under elective or scheduled delivery must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR result no longer than 3 days prior to surgery.  COVID positive patients will undergo the procedure in the hospital’s COVID-designated OR (operating room), except for conditions that require the main OR setting*.

For patients with COVID-like symptoms for the past days or with high-risk exposure for the past 14 days should be assessed by ID consultant on deck if a repeat RT-PCR test is indicated.

 

For patients in labor or undergoing normal spontaneous delivery, a swab test must be done no longer than 7 days prior to procedure. COVID positive patients will undergo the procedure in the hospital’s COVID-designated OR, except for conditions that require the main OR setting*.

For patients with COVID-like symptoms for the past days or with high-risk exposure for the past 14 days should be assessed by ID consultant on deck if a repeat RT-PCR test is indicated.

*for clearance of the medical unit head.

 

COMPANIONS

IN-PATIENT

Companions of patients to be admitted must present a negative swab test no longer that 3 days prior to the patient’s admission date.

Only one companion will be allowed per patient. A maximum of 2 will be considered for patients who require extra care, and must be cleared by the attending physician.

Switching of companions is discouraged as the new companion will likewise undergo the same screening process.

 

OUTPATIENT

Companions are only allowed for patients who require extra care and assistance; pediatric patients; and post-op ambulatory cases.

 

VISITORS

No visitors are allowed, unless necessary and evaluated by the attending physician. A visitor will only be allowed upon presentation of a negative swab test done no longer than 3 days prior to hospital visit.

 

We request all patients, companions and visitors to adhere to these guidelines for the safety and protection of everyone.  In addition, all must fill out the hospital’s Health Declaration Form prior to entering the hospital premises.

Thank you.

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