SARS-CoV-2 NAAT

TEST DESCRIPTION

Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in patients with signs and symptoms of COVID-19. This nucleic acid probe test amplifies two conserved regions of the ORF1ab gene.

Methodology

Transcription-mediated amplification

Reference range

Negative

TEST FREQUENCY & RESULT AVAILABILITY

Performed daily. Results are typically available one business day after specimen receipt. An alternate test may be substituted depending on the number of test requests.

ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN TYPES AND COLLECTION

• Nasopharyngeal swab in viral transport medium (VTM) or universal transport medium (UTM)
• Anterior nasal swab in VTM or UTM
• Detailed collection instructions appear below

SPECIMEN STORAGE & TRANSPORT

Store and transport refrigerated (2–8°C/36–46°F) for up to 96 hours. 

REJECTION CRITERIA

• Holding time greater than 96 hours
• Specimen container not labeled 
• Specimen container has leaked or is not sealed properly 
• Swab specimens that are missing the swab, contain multiple swabs, or contain the wrong swab

CODES

CPT: 87635
LOINC: 94559-2
Test code: 6860

TEST FEE

Refer to the current fee schedule.

DETAILED SPECIMEN COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Collect respiratory specimens during acute phase of illness
2. Nasopharyngeal swab in VTM or UTM
   1. Ask the patient to blow their nose to clear their nasal passage and tilt the patient’s head backwards.
   2. Swiftly insert the small swab into one nostril straight back (not upwards) at a depth equal to distance from nostrils to outer opening of the ear (see image). 
   3. Firmly rotate the swab up to 5 times and hold in place for 5-10 seconds to collect epithelial cells. 
   4. Repeat with the other nostril using the same swab. 
   5. Snap the swab at the scored breakpoint line; place swab into VTM or UTM tube; close the tube tightly and place in a biohazard bag.
3. Anterior nasal swab in VTM or UTM
   1. Tilt patient’s head back 70 degrees.
   2. While gently rotating the swab, insert  swab less than one inch into nostril (until resistance is met at turbinates).
   3. Rotate the swab several times against nasal wall.
   4. Repeat in other nostril using the same swab.
   5. Place the swab into VTM or UTM.