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Test Code COVID19 SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Qualitative PCR

Important Note

Order this test using the AgileMD Clinical Pathway.

Additional Codes

COVD19

Offsite Collection Instructions

See UCMC Collection Instructions.

Transport refrigerated if >2 hrs from time of collection.

Turnaround Time

Within 24 hours of receipt, depending on workload.

Method Name

This test is performed using the Roche cobas SARS-CoV-2 assay on the cobas 6800,  the Cepheid SARS-CoV-2 assay on the GeneXpert or the BioFire SARS-CoV-2 assay on the Torch. These assays are for use only under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in U.S. laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratories Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA). The University of Chicago Clinical Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory is certified under CLIA to perform high complexity tests.

UCMC Collection Instructions

Specimen Source: Flocked nasopharyngeal swab; 1 specimen/day

Specimen Collection: Kit consists of flocked nasopharyngeal swab and viral transport media.

  1. Tilt the patient’s head back 70 degrees.
  2. Insert the flocked swab through the nostril parallel to the palate (not upwards) until resistance is encountered and the swab reaches a depth equal to the distance from the nostrils to the outer opening of the ear.
  3. Rotate the flocked swab 2-3 times and hold the swab in place for 5-10 seconds to ensure maximum absorbency.   Specimens can be collected from both sides using the same swab, but it is not necessary to collect specimens from both sides if the minitip is saturated with fluid from the first collection.
  4. Put the swab in the viral transport media and break the shaft at the designated breakpoint.
  5. Tightly close the lid.

Specimen Source: Flocked Nasal swab; 1 specimen/day

Specimen Collection: Kit consists of regular-sized flocked swab and liquid Amies transport media.

  1. Tilt the patient’s head back 70 degrees.
  2. Insert the flocked swab into the nasal passage until a slight resistance is met at the turbinates (about 2 cm into the nostril).
  3. Rotate the flocked swab 2-3 times and hold the swab in place for 5-10 seconds to ensure maximum absorbency.  Swab both nostrils with the same swab.
  4. Put the swab in the transport media and break the shaft at the designated breakpoint.
  5. Tightly close the lid.


Specimen Transport: Ambient temperature if < 2 hr, transport refrigerated if >2 hrs from time of collection.

Acceptable Specimen Types

Flocked nasopharyngeal swab in Universal Viral Transport or Flocked nasal swab in liquid Amies transport media.

No other specimens types can be tested.

Reference Values

Negative

DAY(S) AND TIME(S) PERFORMED

Monday through Sunday

CPT

87635

STAT DAY(S) AND TIME(S) PERFORMED

Available 24/7 within 3 hours of receipt in the Microbiology Laboratory.

Fee Code

30687635

Synonyms

COVID-19

COVID19

Novel Coronavirus