Test Details
SARS-CoV-2 PCR (COVID-19)
Uses a nasal, nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus that causes COVID-19) using an FDA approved reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.
Methodology
Multiplex RT-PCR Assay
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
- nasal swab (order code 896)
Alternate Specimen
- nasopharyngeal swab (order code 895)
- oropharyngeal swab (order code 898)
Transport Temperature
Shipping with frozen cold packs preferred. Room temperature acceptable.
Stability
- Refrigerated: 7 days.
- Room temperature: 7 days.
Lab Values
SARS-CoV-2 PCR (COVID-19)
- A positive result indicates the detection of the SARS-CoV2 (COVID19) virus.
Clinical Significance
SARS-CoV-2 PCR (COVID-19)
Symptoms often develop an average of 5 days (range 2-14 days) after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Diagnosis of a current infection is made by having a positive RT-PCR swab test usually within 3 days of infection and may become undetectable after 2-4 weeks from disease onset. Detects two regions of the Nucleocapsid gene (N-Gene) of SARS- CoV-2 and produces one target signal.
- This assay currently detects all known variants, but does not distinguish between them.
- Detects SARS-CoV-2 RNA with high sensitivity as low as approximately 67 copies per mL.
Treatment Options
SARS-CoV-2 PCR (COVID-19)
Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infections usually resolve without treatment, and vaccination is recommended for prevention. Severe cases may require hospitalization and/or medical treatment.
