SARS-CoV-2 Antigen

Test Code

LAB25341

Alias/See Also

COVID antigen, COVID 19 Antigen, SARS Antigen

Preferred Specimen

UTM/VTM Nasopharyngeal swab

Minimum Volume

Swab immersed in 1ml UTM/VTM

Transport Container

Storeroom item #4210 Viral/Universal Transport Media.
VTM/UTM are available in a variety of packaging and brands, but liquid media is pink.

Specimens may be hand carried to the Lab. Tube System may be utilized if specimens are double bagged.

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature for up to 24 hours.
Refrigerated for up to 48 hours.

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Do not use hemolyzed specimens

Methodology
Chemiluminscence Immunoassay

FDA Status
Emergency Use Authorization

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Same Day

Reference Range

Negative

Clinical Significance

Results are for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen. This antigen is generally detectable in upper respiratory samples during the acute phase of infection. Positive results indicate the presence of viral antigens, but clinical correlation with patient history and other diagnostic information is necessary to determine infection status. Positive results do not rule out bacterial infection or co-infection with other viruses. The agent detected may not be the definite cause of disease. Negative results from patients with symptom onset outside of one to six days should be treated as presumptive. Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Negative results should be considered in the context of a patient’s recent exposures, history and the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Performing Laboratory
HHN
HHI

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.