COVID-19 is the name for the respiratory syndrome caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

The test name in the Test Directory is SARS-CoV-2 RNA, Qualitative Real-Time RT-PCR and the test code is 39433.

The SARS-CoV-19 test is a qualitative molecular assay, which amplifies the RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human specimens such as nasopharyngeal or throat swabs (upper respiratory). Alternative specimens, including bronchial lavage/wash, or sputum/tracheal aspirate are also acceptable. The technique is a real-time reverse transcription PCR assay.

Physicians may order the test using test code 39433. The test for COVID-19 must be ordered on a separate requisition from other tests.

Specimens are to be collected by hospitals, physician offices, and clinics. Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers and Quest’s in-office phlebotomists do not collect respiratory specimens, including those from patients suspected of having COVID-19.

Currently, nasopharyngeal (NP) and/or oropharyngeal (OP) swab testing is being performed. Lower respiratory specimen tests, including bronchial lavage/wash, or sputum/tracheal aspirate samples can also be ordered but will be frozen upon receipt, with testing commencing on 3/16/2020. One test for COVID-19 will be performed per requisition.

Upper respiratory samples should be collected using 1 nasopharyngeal swab and/or oropharyngeal swab in M4, VCM or UTM media. Nasopharyngeal and/or oropharyngeal swabs can now be collected and transported in their own vial, or combined in a single vial for testing. Each vial collected should be ordered on a separate requisition and transported in its own sealed bag. Only sterile Dacron® or Rayon swabs should be used. Do not use calcium alginate as they may contain substances that inhibit PCR testing. Wooden shaft swabs, Eswabs, and swabs transported in Amies liquid or gel transport must not be used.

Specimens have a 72-hour stability refrigerated.

Samples should be shipped frozen (preferred). However, samples from client sites without access to dry ice should be refrigerated (2° C-8° C) and are stable at this temperature for 72 hours. Cold packs/pouches must be used if placing specimens in a lockbox for courier pick-up. Specimens should be transported to your local Quest Diagnostics accessioning laboratory according to standard operating procedures. SARS-CoV-2 RNA, Qualitative Real-Time RT-PCR test is not a STAT test and STAT pick-up cannot be ordered.

Test results are typically available 3-4 days from the time of specimen pick-up, and may be impacted by high demand.

Providers will receive a phone call if the test result is positive or inconclusive. Patients will be notified via email that your results are posted within your Personalabs account.