SARS CoV-2 RNA in specimen

Indications

• evaluation of viral infection with Wuhan coronavirus

Clinical significance

• cycle thresholds > 24 & & time from symptom onset > 8 days associated with very low rates of positive viral cultures

Specimen

• respiratory specimens including: nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal aspirates or washes, nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs, broncheoalveolar lavage, tracheal aspirates, & sputum
  • swab specimens with synthetic tip swabs (polyester or Dacron) with aluminum or plastic shafts
  • swabs with calcium alginate or cotton tips with wooden shafts may not be acceptable
  • patient-collected nasal & mid-turbinate samples may be appropriate for SARS-CoV-2 testing
• serum

• storage: 2-4 C for <- 4 days, or <=-70 C

Complications

• possible risk of infection to those handling Abbott Fast COVID Test
  • nasal swab swirled in an open container with liquid chemicals potentially aerosolizing the virus

More general terms

• coronavirus RNA

More specific terms

• CovidNudge test
• Lucira
• SalivaDirect

Component of

• SARS CoV2/influenza virus in specimen