COVID-19, INFLUENZA A/B PANEL by PCR

Test Code

COFLU

CPT Codes
87636

Includes

COVID-19
Influenza A
Influenza B

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

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

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

Quantity Not Sufficient (QNS)
Leaking or contaminated samples
Alinity m Multi-Collect Specimen Collection Kit

Methodology
RT-PCR

Setup Schedule

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

Report Available

Within 48 hours of receipt at the performing laboratory.

Reference Range

Not Detected

Clinical Significance

Useful for the simultaneous qualitative detection of COVID-19, Influenza A, and Influenza B virus in anterior nasal or nasopharyngeal swab specimens.

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.