Coronavirus COVID-19

Specimens

• Nasal/Throat swabs collected using BD dry swabs/Remel M4RT/Copan 321C UTM or Copan 147C.
• Samples should be taken from symptomatic patients between days 1-5 from onset of symptoms.
• Specimens should be sent to the laboratory at ambient temperature in Category B packaging and labelled as containing HIGH RISK specimen.
• For best results, please send samples on the day they are taken. However, samples are stable at ambient temperature for 3 days for wet swabs, and up to 6 days for dry swabs.
   

The assay

Infection with SARS-CoV-2, an RNA virus, is diagnosed using reverse-transcriptase real-time PCR. The assays used at TDL show a minimum sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 100%, with no cross-reactivity with other viruses.

Specimens

• SST/Serum
• Testing should be undertaken 14 days or more following exposure or onset of symptoms.
   

The assay

The persistence of IgG antibodies allows identification of people who have been infected by SARS-CoV-2.

Image: CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAMS