COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RT-PCR

Test Code

LAB7147 790

Alias/See Also

COVID
SARS
COV2
MOLECULAR
PCR

CPT Codes
87635

Includes

SARS-COV-2, RNA (CEPHEID) RT-PCR

Preferred Specimen

Nasopharyngeal swab

Minimum Volume

Other Acceptable Specimens

Nasal Swab

Instructions

Specimen Requirements:

Preferred Source Nasopharyngeal (NP)

Preferred Collection/Container BD Mini-tip UTM

Alternative Acceptable Source Nasal Swab

Default Source Nasopharyngeal (NP)

Default Container Type UTM

Manufacturer # (BD220529)

Acceptable Collection: Mini-tip (rayon, nylon, flocked) swab in 3mL Universal Transport Media; Copan eNAT Collection kit 2mL

Rejection Criteria

Unacceptable Source
Source other than Nasopharyngeal or Nasal
Unacceptable collection
Double culturette swab (Red-top); Cotton tip swab; Wooden shaft swab; Calcium alginate swab; any other than listed in preferred or acceptable collection; Do not transport frozen.

Transport Container

UTM Universal Transport Medium

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Shipping/Handling Instructions

Storage Specimen Storage
1. Clinical specimens can be stored at room temperature (15–30 ºC) for up to 24 hours
2. Refrigerated at 2-8 ºC for up to 7days after collection in transport media.

Transport 2-8°C

Performing Labs: MWH, SH

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

Reference Range

Negative

Clinical Significance

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 (cause of COVID-19) in upper respiratory tract specimens from individuals with flu-like illnesses. Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction RT-PCR

Performing Laboratory
MWH LAB SH LAB

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.