Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by PCR

Example Reports

Detected

Not Detected

Mnemonic

COVID-19

Synonym

COVID-19 - SARS-CoV-2 - 2019 nCoV - Coronavirus - nCoV - Novel Coronavirus - SARS - COVID19 - COVID

Specimen Collection Requirements

Collect

Note: Transport media must be securely capped. Leaking specimens will be rejected.

Preferred Specimen:

Nasopharyngeal swab (NP swab) - Place swab immediately into sterile tube containing 1.5-3 mL of Remel Multi-Microbe Media (M4 or M4RT). Use only synthetic fiber swabs with plastic or wire shafts.

Other acceptable transport media: Copan Universal Transport Media (UTM-RT, BD Universal Viral Transport, Cepheid Xpert Viral Transport media, and V-C-M Medium Universal Transport Medium).

Legacy Health Inpatients Only:

Other Acceptable Specimen Types:

Nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate or nasal aspirate - Perform procedure with sterile saline. Collect 2-3 mL into a sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap collection cup or sterile dry container.

The CDC recommends collecting only the NP swab. OP swabs are NOT an acceptable specimen type.

Handling

Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag.

Store specimens at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C) pending transport. Specimens that will not be tested within 72 hours of collection must be frozen and transported on dry ice.

Preferred Volume

1.5 mL

Minimum Volume

0.8 mL

Transport

Transport at refrigerated temperatures (2-8ºC) for receipt in lab within 72 hours. If specimen has been frozen, transport using dry ice to maintain frozen temperatures.

Rejection Criteria

Nasopharyngeal swab placed in LQ Stuart transport, samples collected with Amies, calcium alginate, charcoal or wooden swabs, specimens exceeding stated stability requirements, sputum samples, or leaking specimen containers. Note: Transport media must be securely capped. Leaking specimens will be rejected.

Stability

Store specimens at 2-8°C for up to 72 hours after collection. If collection to receipt in lab will exceed 72 hours, ship on dry ice.

Ambient: Unacceptable

Refrigerated: 72 hours

Frozen: 2 months

Do not freeze/thaw.

Testing Information

Note

Please refer to the following for information:

COVID-19 Fact Sheet for Providers

COVID-19 Fact Sheet for Patients

Performed

Daily

Reported

Within 3 days after receipt of specimen

LLS prioritizes this test; results may be released sooner than published turnaround time.

Method

Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reference Values

Reference Values

Detected/Not Detected

CPT Codes

87635

Last Updated: Monday, April 20, 2020 06:06:38 PM

Client Services: 503-413-1234