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Test Code LAB3694 Rapid COVID-19 PCR Qualitative

Important Note

The Rapid COVID-19 test is being monitored to conserve supply and is limited to urgent procedures, ED admits, or patients being admitted to the SIU. Approval must be obtained prior to ordering from the surgeon in chief, the ED attending, or the ID attending on call for other urgent issues.

Exception: if there is an add-on procedure, or collecting for a next-day procedure - please order the Rapid test without escalation to attending.

If you have any questions, please page the Lab Leader on-call.

NOTE: COVID swabs in UTM can now be sent through the pneumatic tube system. Please continue to double bag all COVID swabs in UTM to prevent specimen leakage leading to tube system shutdown.

Clinical System Name

Rapid COVID PCR

Synonyms

LAB3694

Rapid COVID-19 PCR QL

COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2

Sample Requirements

Specimen: Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab, Midturbinate (MT) Swab, (Oropharyngeal Swab accepted but not preferred), Anterior Nasal swab**

 

**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: Swab(s) in Universal Transport Media (UTM) or Viral Transport Media

 

Nasopharyngeal swabs and UTM are available on Demand Flow or through Central Supply.

Collection: Please consult the Photo Swab Guide to determine which swab to collect. 


Note: Dry Swabs, Nasal Wash, Tracheal Aspirate, and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) in UTM are NOT FDA-cleared specimen types for Cepheid COVID PCR assay and are not accepted. Those specimens can only be run on the non-rapid COVID-19 Qualitative PCR test.

Processing Instructions

Reject due to: Specimen Type, Age of Specimen

Spin: N

Aliquot: N

Storage location: Core or Microbiology Fridge

 

SCH: Samples should be given to Core Lab.

Regional Clinic: Samples should be given to Regional Clinic Lab.

 

Non-Children's Hospital Off-site collection: Refrigerate at 4°C for transport to SCH. 

Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
NP/MT/OP/AN Swab in UTM

RT

≤ 24 h
NP/MT/OP/AN Swab in UTM

2-8 C

 ≤ 7 d
NP/MT/OP/AN Swab in UTM

-20 C or -70 C

 N/A

CPT Codes

U0002

Methodology

Cepheid GeneXpert Real-Time PCR

 

Description

Rapid multiplex PCR for detection of SARS-CoV-2 (virus causing COVID-19) in patient respiratory samples.

 

See Rapid Respiratory Short Panel if testing for the additional viruses Flu A, Flu B, or RSV.

See Rapid Upper Respiratory Viral/Bacterial Panel if testing for other viruses and/or atypical bacteria.

Availability at SCH

STAT Performed TAT
Y 24/7

2 h

Performing Laboratories

Seattle Children's Hospital Laboratory

Bellevue Clinic & Surgery Center Laboratory

South Clinic Laboratory

North Clinic Laboratory

Departments

Departments: Core Chemistry and Regional Labs

Phone Number: 206-987-2617 (Client Services)

Limitations

Negative results do not preclude SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for patient management decisions.