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SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) PCR

Coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, COVID-19, SARS, Novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1230607

Department

Molecular Pathology

Instructions

This test is indicated for routine priority testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

If STAT testing is needed for inpatient and ECs, order as “STAT” priority.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: ONE of the following specimen types:

• Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab: Collect using a Copan Universal Transport Media or BD Universal Viral Transport swab. Make sure the cap is tightly sealed. 
• Oropharyngeal (OP) Swab: Collect using a Copan Universal Transport Media or BD Universal Viral Transport swab. Make sure the cap is tightly sealed.
• For collection, gently insert the oropharyngeal swab into the posterior pharynx and tonsillar areas. Rub the swab over both tonsillar pillars and posterior oropharynx while avoiding contact with the tongue, teeth and gums.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain all specimens refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Nasopharyngeal swab in viral transport medium, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

• Dry swabs.
• Specimens in non-sterile or leaking containers.
• Swabs other than those collected in viral transport media
• Eswabs are unacceptable.
• Specimens subjected to repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
• Contaminated media (e.g. yellow in color or contain black particles)

In-Lab Processing

Specimens are stable for 48 hours at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F).

Specimens may also be refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to testing.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 48hours
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 7 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 30 days

Laboratory

Royal Oak Molecular Pathology Laboratory

Performed

Sunday – Saturday.
Results available within 24-48 hours.

Reference Range

Not detected.

Test Methodology

Nucleic Acid Amplification. Roche cobas SARS-CoV-2 performed on the cobas 6800 (FDA-approved).

Interpretation

A “Detected” result indicates that SARS-CoV-2 RNA is present in the sample. Results should be clinically correlated in making a final diagnosis. This test does not discriminate between current and recent infections. This test is qualitative and should not be used as a test of cure.

A “Not Detected” result indicates that no SARS-CoV-2 RNA was present in the sample.

Clinical Utility

This assay aids in the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 (CoVID-19).This assay detects the pathogen's RNA and does not rely upon the presence of infectious virus or seroconversion.

Clinical Disease

Fever Dry cough Fatigue Shortness of breath

Sore throat Chills Pneumonia

CPT Codes

87635

Contacts

Last Updated

8/28/2025