Sars CoV-2 is tested for as part of a multiplex PCR panel to diagnose presence of virus which may or may not be the cause of respiratory disease. Please see ‘Viral respiratory screen’ for further information.
Container / Tube
Nose and throat combined swab in red cap UTM (Universal Transport Medium) tube or alternatively, the green cap Virus Specimen Collection UTM tube.
NB: Please AVOID using Copan eSwab (which has a pink cap) for this test.
NPA, BAL, and Tracheal aspirate – send secretions in white universal.
Collection Conditions
Recommended sample type is combined nose and throat swab. Guidance for how to take a swab can be found in Microbiology User Manual.
Minimum volume 1ml fluid.
Availability
N/A.
Send to
Microbiology Department, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.
Turnaround Time
1 to 2 days.
Additional Information
Negative results do not preclude infection and should not be used as sole basis for patient management. Positive results should be correlated with patient history and other diagnostic information.