COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) PCR [Inova Laboratories]

Specimen Type: Swab
Sources: Nasopharyngeal (NP), nares
Collection Container: Universal transport media, viral transport media, or equivalent (eg, Copan UTM-RT, BD VTM)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL

1. Tilt patients head back 70 degrees
2. Gently and slowly insert a minitip swab through the nostril parallel to the palate (not upwards) until resistance is encounterd or the distance is equivalent to that from the ear to the nostril of the patient, indicating contact with the nasopharynx.  Swab should reach depth equal to the distance from the nostrils to outer opening of the ear.
3. Gently rub and roll the swab.
4. Leave swab in place for several seconds to absorb secretions.
5. Slowly remove the swab while rotating it.
6. Specimens can be collected from both sides using the same swab, but it is not necessary to collect specimens from both sides if the minitip is saturated with fluid from the first collection.  If a deviated septum or blockage creates difficulty in obtaining the specimen from one nostril, use the same swab to obtain the specimen from the other nostril.
7. Break the swab into the provided transport media for submission to the laboratory.

1. Using a flocked or spun polyester swab, insert the swab 1/2  - 3/4 of an inch inside the nostril.
2. Firmly sample the nasal membrane by rubbing with moderate pressure against as much of the wall of the anterior nares region as possible, moving the tip through a large circular path inside the nostril for 10-15 seconds.
3. Repeat collection with the same swab in the second nostril.
4. Break the swab into the provided transport media for submission to the laboratory.

• This test is recommended only for patients who meet current clinical and/or epidemiologic criteria defined by federal, state, or local public health authorities.

Must be received in the laboratory within 24 hours of collection. 

Calcium alginate swabs,  Swabs with cotton tips and wooden shaft,  Any transport media not described in this collection guide,  including  media with guanidine isothiocyanate (GITC) , Glass tubes received, Unlabelled or mislabelled specimens 

Daily

1-2 days

This test is for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID19) nucleic acid. Viral nucleic acids may persist in vivo, independent of viability. Detection of viral nucleic acid does not imply the presence of infectious virus, or that virus nucleic acid is the cause of clinical symptoms. Negative results do not preclude SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for patient management decisions.