SARS-CoV-2 RNA

Message

The SARS-CoV-2 RNA is the pathologic agent responsible for the disease known as “coronavirus disease 2019” or “COVID-19”. The virus is generally detectable in nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs during the acute phase of infection. Positive results are indicative of active infection.

Test Code

CCV19

CPT Codes
U0003

Preferred Specimen

Universal transport media, viral transport media, or equivalent (e.g., Copan UTM-RT, BD VTM, MicroTest M4, M4-RT, M5, M6). Due to commercial supply shortages of these transport media, Tufts Medical Center is preparing an equivalent under a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-compliant protocol.

Patient Preparation
None

Specimen Stability

Preferably, testing is performed within 3 days of receipt if stored in the refrigerator or within 1 day if stored at room temperature.

The Tufts Medical Center laboratory verified specimen stability in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The specimen is also stable if frozen (-20 C or -70 C) for longer periods of time, without detectable degradation after a freeze-thaw cycle.

Methodology
RT-PCR using the Abbott m2000

FDA Status
Emergency use Authorization only

Setup Schedule

Daily

Limitations

Negative results do not preclude SARS-CoV-2 infection. The infection may have cleared the posterior pharynx even though the infection may persist elsewhere in the body. It is also possible that inadequate sampling of the naso- or oropharynx can cause a false negative test result.

Reference Range

Negative

Performing Laboratory
Tufts Medical Center Clinical Chemistry Laboratory (617-636-5820)

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.