Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
SARS-COV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This is a qualitative PCR assay which detects the viral RNA.
Specimen container paediatric:
Upper respiratory tract samples (nose/throat/nasopharyngeal) in viral transport medium. Lower respiratory tract sample if available (Sputum, ETA or BAL), tissue curls.
Specimen container adult:
Upper respiratory tract samples (nose/throat/nasopharyngeal) in viral transport medium. Lower respiratory tract sample if available (Sputum, ETA or BAL), tissue curls.
Minimum volume paediatric:
- 2ml Respiratory secretions
- 1 Swab from site
Minimum volume adult:
- 2ml Respiratory secretion
- 1 Swab from site
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Off site samples: Category B UN3373 regulations.
Add On Test:
N/A
Quality Assurance:
- External Quality Assurance Scheme: QCMD.
- External Quality Assurance Scheme: INSTAND.
- UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS).
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable.
Reference Ranges:
N/A
Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C in UN3373 storage containers
Referenced Documents:
N/A
Other Info:
N/A