Covid Antigen, Sars COV 2

Message
Rapid (15 Minute) Antigen Testing will now be available to select CRMC ED patients to facilitate throughput. Testing will be used for admitted patients who are waiting to be placed in an open bay area and have a COVID PCR test pending. Antigen testing is less precise than PCR for detecting COVID, but the quick turnaround can aid in timely patient placement.

Antigen testing will also be available as a POC option in some Procedure areas and for Employee Health.
 


Test Code
COVAG


Preferred Specimen
Nasal Swab


Instructions
CRMC ED PROCESS:
1.Obtain Nasal Specimen Collection Kit from the STAT Lab
2. Wash your hand
3.Wear appropriate PPE, gown, gloves
4. Insert the swab 1/2 -3/4 of an inch into nostrile and swirl 5 x
        
5. Insert same Swab into other nostrile and repeat.
         
6. Place swab into the dry, sterile container (provided in Collection Kit)
7. Place patient label on sterile container
8. Return specimen to Stat Lab immediately.
     

Procedure areas and EH follow you POC Policy
       
 

 


Specimen Stability
 15 minutes


Methodology
Binax Now
Carestart

Reference Range
Negative

Results are for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein antigen. Antigen is generally detectable in nasal swabs during the acute phase of infection. Positive results indicate the presence of viral antigens, but clinical correlation with patient history and other diagnostic information is necessary to determine infection status.

Negative results from patients with symptom onset beyond seven days, should be treated as presumptive and confirmation with a molecular assay, if necessary, for patient management, may be performed. Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Negative results should be considered in the context of a patient's recent exposures,history and the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19


Performing Laboratory
CRMC Laboratory
POC -Proceedure areas
POC-EH



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.