ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office says it will be conducting additional testing protocols for some death investigations, as it sees a rise in respiratory illnesses.
The coroner’s office says it will collect a post-mortem nasal swab when the investigation indicates the person who died had symptoms of a respiratory illness, or when family members provide such information.
The swab will be collected when a death occurs in a home, the coroner’s office says.
The specimen will undergo a comprehensive respiratory panel, including testing for influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the coroner’s office.
The coroner’s office says the enhanced testing measure supports public health surveillance efforts and helps provide families and healthcare partners with a more complete understanding of contributing medical factors.
The procedures do not delay funeral arrangements and are conducted with the utmost professionalism and respect for the deceased and their families, the coroner’s office said.
“The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office remains committed to protecting public health while ensuring compassionate service to the community during times of loss,” the coroner’s office said in a news release.