| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
SARS-CoV-2 by PCR
Test CodeCOVPC
Alias/See Also
COVID-19 PCR, COVID, SARS, COVID PCR, SARS COV 2 PCR
CPT Codes
U0003 and U0005
Preferred Specimen
Submit FLOCKED Nasopharyngeal Swab in approved viral media (BD UVT, Remel M4RT, Copan Viral Media, Medschenker 3mL Viral Transport.)
Minimum Volume
3 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
FLOCKED Nasopharyngeal Swab or FLOCKED Nasal Swab in viral media OR saline. NOTE: Care MUST be taken to ensure that the proper swab is used for the specimen source. Nasal Swabs MUST NOT be used for Nasopharyngeal collections.
Instructions
Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection:
1. Insert the swab into either nostril, passing it into the posterior nasopharynx. Rotate swab by firmly brushing against the nasopharynx several times.
2. Remove and place the swab into a viral transport media tube or salint tube (3 mL).
3. Break swab at the indicated break line and cap the specimen collection tube tightly.
Nasal Swab Collection:
1. Carefully insert the swab (flocked nasal swab) into the nostril that presents the most secretion under visual inspection.
2. Using gentle rotation, push the swab until resistance is met at the level of the turbinates (less than one inch into the nostril). Rotate the swab several times against the nasal wall.
3. Remove and place swab into a viral transport media or saline tube.
4. Break swab at indicated break line and cap the specimen collection tube tightly.
1. Insert the swab into either nostril, passing it into the posterior nasopharynx. Rotate swab by firmly brushing against the nasopharynx several times.
2. Remove and place the swab into a viral transport media tube or salint tube (3 mL).
3. Break swab at the indicated break line and cap the specimen collection tube tightly.
Nasal Swab Collection:
1. Carefully insert the swab (flocked nasal swab) into the nostril that presents the most secretion under visual inspection.
2. Using gentle rotation, push the swab until resistance is met at the level of the turbinates (less than one inch into the nostril). Rotate the swab several times against the nasal wall.
3. Remove and place swab into a viral transport media or saline tube.
4. Break swab at indicated break line and cap the specimen collection tube tightly.
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Stable at room temperature for up to 8 hours. Stable refrigerated for up to 7 days.
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Incorrect media or swab type. NOTE: NP swabs MUST be FLOCKED swabs.
Methodology
PCR
Setup Schedule
Monday - Sunday
Reference Range
Normal (SARS-CoV-2 not detected)
Performed By
North Mississippi Medical Center Pathology Department
Performing Laboratory
NMMC Pathology Department
