Nasopharyngeal- Respiratory Pathogen Panel with COVID-19, PCR (Filmarray)

Specimen Type: Swab
Source: Nasopharyngeal
Collection Container: Viral transport media (VTM)
Specimen Volume: Swab

Specimen Type: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
Collection Container: Sterile container

1. Collect according to standard technique and immediately place swab into 3ml Viral transport media (VTM) or Universal transport media (UTM). 

1. Submit in sterile container.
2. Minimum sample volume is 0.3 mL.
3. BAL specimens should be processed and tested as soon as possible and must be received within 24 hours.
4. Store/ship refrigerated.

Nasopharyngeal 
Room temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 2 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable

Specimen not received in appropriate transport container or at appropriate temperature.

Daily

1-2 days

This assay cannot differentiate between Rhinovirus/Enterovirus. If necessary for patient care, a positive result for Rhinovirus/Enterovirus may be followed-up using an alternate method. This assay should not be used if B. pertussis infection is specifically suspected as it is less sensitive than other alternatives. If suspected, ensure that B. pertussis specific testing is ordered. Recent administration of a nasal influenza vaccine may cause false positive results for Influenza A and/or Influenza B.
Viral and bacterial nucleic acids may persist even though no viable organism is present. Detection of nucleic acid does not imply that the corresponding organisms are infectious or are the causative agents of clinical symptoms. A negative result does not exclude the possibility of viral or bacterial infection and should not be used as the sole basis for patient management decisions. Assay performance characteristics may vary with circulating strains and this assay may not be able to distinguish between existing viral strains and new variants as they emerge. Invalid results may be due to inhibiting substances in the specimen and recollection should occur.