Resources

COVID-19 HIGH SENSITIVITY by PCR

Message
Current turnaround time for this test is 1-2 days from receipt in lab
Non-interfaced orders:
  • Additional patient demographic information must be submitted for laboratory state reporting in the event the result is positive.


Test Code
CO19H


Alias/See Also
SARS CoV2; Corona virus


CPT Codes
87635

Preferred Specimen
Abbott Universal Collection Kit


Minimum Volume
1 mL
Note: repeat testing may not be available due to decreased sample volume.


Other Acceptable Specimens
Swabs transported in viral transport medium (M4, VCM, UTM).


Transport Container
Abbott Universal Collection Kit


Transport Temperature
Refrigerate


Specimen Stability
  • Note:  Samples will automatically be frozen if negative, and kept for 7 days.
  • 2-8°C up to 3 days
  • -20°C up to 1 month


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
  • QNS samples will be rejected
  • Leaking or contaminated samples will be rejected


Methodology
RT-PCR

Setup Schedule
M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su


Report Available
Report available within 48 hours of receipt at the performing laboratory.  Additional time may be required if repeat testing is needed.


Reference Range
Not detected


Clinical Significance

The high sensitivity order is recommended for the following patient population:



  • Severely ill, hospitalized patients with signs and symptoms of COVID-19

  • Residents of congregate living with possible or confirmed COVID-19

  • Healthcare workers that have been exposed to COVID-19

  • ED patients with signs and symptoms of COVID-19

  • Less severely ill patients but febrile with co-morbidities (i.e. lung, kidney, or heart disease)





Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab  
NIMAM (Immunology, Alinity M)


Last Updated: August 31, 2023


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.