COVID-19 HIGH SENSITIVITY by PCR

Message

Current turnaround time for this test is 1-2 days from receipt at the performing 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

Nasopharyngeal swabs transported in viral transport medium (VCM, UTM)

Minimum Volume

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

Other Acceptable Specimens

Nasal swabs transported in viral transport medium (M4, VCM, UTM) or collected with the Abbott Universal Transport Collection Kit

Transport Container

Nasopharyngeal swabs (preferred) in VCM, UTM
Nasal swab in Abbott Universal Transport Collection Kit

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

2-8C up to 7 days
15 to 25C for 2 days
-70 C for 365 days

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

QNS samples will be rejected
Leaking or contaminated samples will be rejected
Alinity m Multi-Collect Specimen Collection Kit

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: April 29, 2026

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.