SARS-CoV-2 PCR

Test information: A range of real-time RT-PCR assays (rapid & routine) for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in a range of clinical respiratory samples.

Availability: Available locally Monday - Sunday during routine hours: 08:45 - 21:00.
Available out of hours on telephone request (assay dependant).

Turnaround Time: 2 - 6 Hours (Depending on assay used)

Related Tests:

• Respiratory PCR
• SARS-CoV-2 / Influenza / Respiratory Syncytial Virus PCR

Specimen Type(s)

• Bronchoalveolar Lavage;
• Endotracheal Aspirate;
• Nasal Swab;
• Nasopharyngeal Aspirate;
• Nasopharyngeal Swab;
• Oropharyngeal Swab;
• Sputum;
• Throat swab;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• Copan Liquid Amies Elution Swab (eSwab) Pink;
• Copan Universal Transport Medium (UTM-RT) Red;
• MWE Virocult swab - Green Topped;
• Remel MicroTest M4RT Red;
• Sigma Transwab Duo MRSA White;
• Sigma Transwab with standard Sigma swab Purple;
• Sigma-Virocult with Sigma-Swab Green;
• Sterile CE-marked Universal Container;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• N/A;

Analytes

• SARS-CoV-2 envelope gene (E);
• SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid gene (N);
• SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid gene (N1 and N2);
• SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid gene (N2);
• SARS-CoV-2 ORF1;
• SARS-CoV-2 ORF1ab;

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

300uL

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

• Proper sample collection, storage, and transport are essential for correct results.
• Specimens can be stored at room temperature (15 °C - 30 °C) for up to 24 hours and refrigerated (2 °C - 8 °C) up to seven days until testing is performed.
• Specimens should be transported at 2 °C - 8 °C.
• Please refer to Trust Policy: Management of Patients with Confirmed/Suspected Influenza Policy (Internal only)

Maximum add on time

N/A

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

Results: Negative / Indeterminate / Positive
Patients that have received a live attenuated nasal vaccine (i.e. Fluenz Tetra / FluMist) prior to specimen collect can result in false positive results.

UKAS number

8869

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

N/A

If you have any queries about a test or results interpretation please contact us.