Ordering Recommendations

Diagnostic nucliec acid amplification test used for detection of COVID-19 in individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider. COVID-19 is caused by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).

This test provides increased sensitivity and specificity over rapid antigen tests and should especially be ordered when community prevalence is low.

Orderable SIM Number(s)

SARS-COV-2 NAT, AMPLIFIED (LAB925)

Synonyms

  • SARS-CoV-2
  • COVID-19
  • COVID19
  • coronavirus
  • PCR
  • COVIDZ
  • LAB925

Collect

Nasal swab (NS) or Nasopharyngeal swab (NP) placed in 3 mL viral transport media or saline.



Collection procedure:

  • NP:  Insert the sterile swab into either nostril, keeping the swab near the septum floor of the nose while gently pushing the swab into the posterior nasopharynx. Rotate the swab by firmly brushing against the nasopharynx several times.

  • NS:  Insert a dry swab into a nostril.  Rotate the swab against the inside of the nostril for 3 seconds while applying pressure with a finger to the outside of the nostril.  Repeat on the other nostril with the same swab. Nasal linked here.

Storage/Transport Temperature

    Transport specimens at 2-8°C

    Unacceptable Conditions

    • Swabs not submitted in approved liquid (dry swabs)
    • Frozen swabs

    Stability (from collection to initiation)

    • Room temperature (15–30°C) for up to 48 hours
    • Refrigerated (2–8°C) up to 7 days 

    Reference Interval

    Normal
    • SARS-CoV-2:  Not Detected
    Abnormal
    • SARS-CoV-2: Detected

    Interpretive Data

    The SAR-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification test is an automated in vitro diagnostic real time RT-PCR test for the qualitative detection of RNA from SARS-CoV-2.  The primers and probes in the test are designed to amplify and detect unique sequences in the following: nucleocapsid (N) and envelope (E) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) genes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus genom.

    Negative results do not preclude SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis  for treatment or other patient management decisions.

    This test has not been evaluated for monitoring treatment of infection.

    CPT Codes

    87635 - non high throughput testing
     

    LOINC

    • 94531-1
    Overview

    Ordering Recommendations

    Diagnostic nucliec acid amplification test used for detection of COVID-19 in individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider. COVID-19 is caused by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).

    This test provides increased sensitivity and specificity over rapid antigen tests and should especially be ordered when community prevalence is low.

    Orderable SIM Number(s)

    SARS-COV-2 NAT, AMPLIFIED (LAB925)

    Synonyms

    • SARS-CoV-2
    • COVID-19
    • COVID19
    • coronavirus
    • PCR
    • COVIDZ
    • LAB925
    Specimen

    Collect

    Nasal swab (NS) or Nasopharyngeal swab (NP) placed in 3 mL viral transport media or saline.



    Collection procedure:

    • NP:  Insert the sterile swab into either nostril, keeping the swab near the septum floor of the nose while gently pushing the swab into the posterior nasopharynx. Rotate the swab by firmly brushing against the nasopharynx several times.

    • NS:  Insert a dry swab into a nostril.  Rotate the swab against the inside of the nostril for 3 seconds while applying pressure with a finger to the outside of the nostril.  Repeat on the other nostril with the same swab. Nasal linked here.

    Storage/Transport Temperature

      Transport specimens at 2-8°C

      Unacceptable Conditions

      • Swabs not submitted in approved liquid (dry swabs)
      • Frozen swabs

      Stability (from collection to initiation)

      • Room temperature (15–30°C) for up to 48 hours
      • Refrigerated (2–8°C) up to 7 days 
      Interpretive

      Reference Interval

      Normal
      • SARS-CoV-2:  Not Detected
      Abnormal
      • SARS-CoV-2: Detected

      Interpretive Data

      The SAR-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification test is an automated in vitro diagnostic real time RT-PCR test for the qualitative detection of RNA from SARS-CoV-2.  The primers and probes in the test are designed to amplify and detect unique sequences in the following: nucleocapsid (N) and envelope (E) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) genes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus genom.

      Negative results do not preclude SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis  for treatment or other patient management decisions.

      This test has not been evaluated for monitoring treatment of infection.

      Coding

      CPT Codes

      87635 - non high throughput testing
       

      LOINC

      • 94531-1

      Performed

      Performed
      Monday - Sunday

      Reported/Turnaround Time

      Reported
      24 hours
       

      Methodology

      Methodology
      real time RT-PCR

      Orderable SIM Number

      Orderable SIM Number(s)
      SARS-COV-2 NAT, AMPLIFIED (LAB925)

      Department

      Department
      Molecular

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