Test Order - SARS-COV-2 and Influenza A and B Real-time PCR (lower respiratory specimens only)
Synonym(s) - COVID-19 PCR Methodology CDC FLU/SC2 Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Acceptable Specimen Type(s) for Testing - Lower respiratory tract: Bronchioalveolar lavage, tracheal aspirate and sputum, 2 to 3 milliliter in a sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap sputum collection cup or sterile dry container
Transport / Collection Medium - Universal (or viral) transport medium (UTM or VTM)
Storage and Preservation of Specimen - Store at 2 to 8⁰C for up to 72 hours.
Minimum Volume Required - 2 milliliters
Additional Collection Instructions - Additional specimen types (e.g., stool, urine) may be collected and stored at -70⁰C until CDC decides whether additional specimen sources should be tested.
Additional Required Information - Collection date required.
Send Out? - Yes
Turnaround Time - Upon CDC notification
Testing Restrictions - None
Limitations / Notes / Disclaimers - Please refer to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for more additional acceptable specimen types and for more information: Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Patients Under Investigation (PUIs) for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV )