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HelpTest Code LAB3645 SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Qualitative PCR
Clinical System Name
COVID-19 Qualitative PCR
Synonyms
2019-nCoV
COVID
COVID-19
COVID19
PUI nCoV
SARS
SARS-CoV-2
Wuhan Coronavirus
nCoV
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Nasopharyngeal (NP), mid-turbinate (midT), or oral pharyngeal swab (OP), anterior nasal swab (AN)**
**Only asymptomatic patients should use anterior nasal collections for SARS-CoV-2. Symptomatic patients should still have middle turbinate (MT) or nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs collected.
Container(s): Swab(s) in Universal Transport Media UTM
Other Acceptable Specimen Types: ETT/sputum, BAL, CSF, plasma, and stool.
Please call Central Supply for UTM at ext. 7-2036. Nasophryngeal swabs are available on Demand Flow or through Central Supply.
Collection: Please consult Photo Swab Guide to determine which swab to collect.
Processing Instructions
Reject due to:
Spin: N
Aliquot: N
Temp: 2 - 4 C
Storage Location: CPA 1 Refrigerator, Send Outs rack.
Off-site Collection: Refrigerate specimens for up to 3 days. If holding specimens more than 3 days, freeze at -70 C and transport frozen to the Main Lab.
Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
| All Specimen Types | Room Temp | 4 h |
| Refrigerated | 3 d | |
| Frozen (-70 C) | >3 d |
Performing Laboratory
University of Washington
Department of Laboratory Medicine
Eastlake Virology
1616 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 320
Seattle, WA 98102
Phone Number: (206) 520-4600
Department
Department: Send Outs
Phone Number: (206) 987-2563
Methodology
Method:
SARS-CoV-2 is detected by Real-time RT PCR using one of the following assays:
The UW SARS-CoV-2 Real-time RT-PCR assay targets two distinct regions within the N gene of SARS-CoV-2 (the causative agent for COVID-19). Amplification of both targets results in a presumptive positive (detectable) test result, while amplification of one of two targets results in an inconclusive result, and amplification of neither target results a negative (non-detectable) test result. Testing is limited to the high complexity CLIA clinical laboratory at UW Virology in Seattle, WA.
The Hologic Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) SARS-CoV-2 Real-time RT-PCR assay targets two conserved regions of the of SARS-CoV-2 (the causative agent for COVID-19) ORF1ab gene. The two regions are not differentiated; amplification of either or both regions is a presumptive positive (detectable) test result and amplification of neither target results a negative (non-detectable) test result.
Analytical Volume: 1 Nasopharyngeal (NP) or Nasal Swab or 0.5 mL for other acceptable specimen types.
Send Out Instructions
| Reference Test Name: |
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Qualitative PCR |
| Reference Number: | NCVQLT |
| Instructions: | Send out M - F with the UW courier. Weekends and holidays, send via Delivery Express to UW Eastlake Virology-COVID. |