SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza A/B, PCR, Batched

Batch SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza A/B, PCR

Epic Mnemonic
Sunquest Mnemonic

LAB3349
COFLU

Category

Molecular

Methodology

Multiplex real-time RT-PCR (polymerase chain reaction)

Test Performance Schedule

Sunday - Saturday

Result Availability

Next day

Container

Nasopharyngeal or Nasal Swab in
Viral Transport Media (M6, M4, Universal Transport Media-UTM, saline)

Collection Instructions

Nasopharyngeal Collection Procedure:
1. Insert the flocked swab into the nasal passage until a slight resistance is met.
2. Rotate the swab 2 to 3 times and hold the swab in place for 5 seconds to ensure maximum absorbency.
3. Put the swab in the transport medium and break the shaft at the painted breakpoint.
4. Recap the tube.
5. Label the specimen tube and submit to the laboratory as soon as possible.
6. Place the tightly capped specimen container and the appropriate laboratory requisition form into separate compartments of a plastic biohazard transport bag.

Sample Collection Video 1
Sample Collection Video 2
Sample Collection Video 3

Nasal Collection Procedure:
1. Insert the swab at least 1 cm (0.5 inch) inside the nostril
2. Firmly sample the nasal membrane by rotating the swab and leaving in place for 10 to 15 seconds. You may wish to place a finger on the outside of the patient’s nostril to help with specimen collection.
3. Remove the swab from the nostril and repeat the swabbing technique within the opposite nostril. Sample both nostrils with the same swab.
4. Remove the swab from the nostril, using caution to avoid touching the swab end. Break the tip of the swab into the appropriate transport container/medium.
5. Label the specimen tube and submit to the laboratory as soon as possible.
6. Place the tightly capped specimen container and the appropriate laboratory requisition form into separate compartments of a plastic biohazard transport bag.

Transportation Instructions

Room Temperature

Stability

• Room Temperature: 48 hours
• Refrigerated: 3 days
• Frozen: 30 days

Causes for Rejection

Dry swabs

Remarks

SARS-CoV-2/Influenza A&B Patient Fact Sheet
SARS-CoV-2/Influenza A&B Provider Fact Sheet 

CPT Codes

87636

Effective/Revised

1/5/2022