Collect nasopharyngeal specimen using a flocked swab and Viral Transport Media (VTM). Swab should remain in the VTM tube following collection and should not be discarded.
Oropharyngeal source is acceptable in addition to the Nasopharyngeal source, and can be sent in 3.0 mL of VTM, UTM or saline.
Preferred Container
Specimen Preparation
If sample will not be received at the performing lab location within 48 hours, then store refrigerated after collection while awaiting transportation.
What if I have a frozen sample, but I do not have dry ice to transport the specimen? The most important piece is denoting that the sample had been frozen on the lab order form, as we have to perform an extra set-up step for these samples. If unable to place on dry ice for transport, it should remain frozen and then be placed on cold packs for transport.
Onsite Collection Instructions
Transport to laboratory immediately following collection.
Offsite Collection Instructions
If sample will not be received at the performing lab location within 48 hours, then store refrigerated after collection while awaiting transportation.
What if I have a frozen sample, but I do not have dry ice to transport the specimen? The most important piece is denoting that the sample had been frozen on the lab order form, as we have to perform an extra set-up step for these samples. If unable to place on dry ice for transport, it should remain frozen and then be placed on cold packs for transport.
Stability (from collection to initiation)
Sample is stable at room temperature for 48 hours or up to 7 days when refrigerated.
If specimen is frozen, it must be denoted on the requisition for special handling and set-up. If unable to place on dry ice for transport, it should remain frozen and then be placed on cold packs for transport.
Required Testing Volume
3.0 mL - NP swab in VTM, UTM, or saline
or 3.0 mL - OP swab in VTM, UTM, or saline
Storage/Transport Temperature
Sample is stable at room temperature for 48 hours or up to 7 days when refrigerated.
If sample will not be received at the performing lab location within 48 hours, then store refrigerated after collection while awaiting transportation (on cold packs).
Unacceptable Conditions
Only nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs will be accepted
Preferred Specimen Source
Nasopharyngeal swab in VTM or Oropharyngeal swab in VTM
Alternate Specimen Source
Nasopharyngeal swab in UTM/saline or Oropharyngeal swab in UTM/saline
Performed
Daily
Ordering Recommendations
For inpatients and symptomatic healthcare workers.
Turn Around Time
6 hours
Performing Lab
Molecular Microbiology
Methodology
Real-time PCR
Synonyms
COVID
Reference Interval
Detected / Not Detected
Interpretive Data
This assay is for in vitro diagnostic use under FDA Emergency Use Authorization only. Negative results do not preclude infection with SARS CoV 2 virus and should not be the sole basis of a patient treatment/management or public health decision. Follow up testing should be performed according to the current CDC recommendations.
Collect nasopharyngeal specimen using a flocked swab and Viral Transport Media (VTM). Swab should remain in the VTM tube following collection and should not be discarded.
Oropharyngeal source is acceptable in addition to the Nasopharyngeal source, and can be sent in 3.0 mL of VTM, UTM or saline.
Preferred Container
Specimen Preparation
If sample will not be received at the performing lab location within 48 hours, then store refrigerated after collection while awaiting transportation.
What if I have a frozen sample, but I do not have dry ice to transport the specimen? The most important piece is denoting that the sample had been frozen on the lab order form, as we have to perform an extra set-up step for these samples. If unable to place on dry ice for transport, it should remain frozen and then be placed on cold packs for transport.
Onsite Collection Instructions
Transport to laboratory immediately following collection.
Offsite Collection Instructions
If sample will not be received at the performing lab location within 48 hours, then store refrigerated after collection while awaiting transportation.
What if I have a frozen sample, but I do not have dry ice to transport the specimen? The most important piece is denoting that the sample had been frozen on the lab order form, as we have to perform an extra set-up step for these samples. If unable to place on dry ice for transport, it should remain frozen and then be placed on cold packs for transport.
Stability (from collection to initiation)
Sample is stable at room temperature for 48 hours or up to 7 days when refrigerated.
If specimen is frozen, it must be denoted on the requisition for special handling and set-up. If unable to place on dry ice for transport, it should remain frozen and then be placed on cold packs for transport.
Required Testing Volume
3.0 mL - NP swab in VTM, UTM, or saline
or 3.0 mL - OP swab in VTM, UTM, or saline
Storage/Transport Temperature
Sample is stable at room temperature for 48 hours or up to 7 days when refrigerated.
If sample will not be received at the performing lab location within 48 hours, then store refrigerated after collection while awaiting transportation (on cold packs).
Unacceptable Conditions
Only nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs will be accepted
Preferred Specimen Source
Nasopharyngeal swab in VTM or Oropharyngeal swab in VTM
Alternate Specimen Source
Nasopharyngeal swab in UTM/saline or Oropharyngeal swab in UTM/saline
Performed
Daily
Ordering
Ordering Recommendations
For inpatients and symptomatic healthcare workers.
Turn Around Time
6 hours
Performing Lab
Molecular Microbiology
Methodology
Real-time PCR
Synonyms
COVID
Result Interpretation
Reference Interval
Detected / Not Detected
Interpretive Data
This assay is for in vitro diagnostic use under FDA Emergency Use Authorization only. Negative results do not preclude infection with SARS CoV 2 virus and should not be the sole basis of a patient treatment/management or public health decision. Follow up testing should be performed according to the current CDC recommendations.
