COVID

TEST NAME

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Specimens positive for SARS-CoV-2 may reflex to SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing.

This test order is for SARS-CoV-2 only. For detection of Influenza and SARS-CoV-2, see entry for "Influenza and SARS-CoV-2".

Lab Web Portal

TDH DLS Requisition:  PH-4360 SARS-CoV-2 Submission Requisition

Patient Preparation

• None

• Acceptable specimen sources/types for submission:

-  Nasopharyngeal swab in VTM, UTM and/or Saline

-  Nasal swab in VTM, UTM and/or Saline

• Specimen should be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers and specimen source and match accompanying order or electronic order. 

• None

• Store specimens at 2 - 30°C and ship overnight on icepacks.
• If testing will be delayed more than 72 hours, specimens in VTM or UTM should be frozen at -70°C or colder.
• Specimens in saline should not be frozen.
• Specimens stored at 2- 30°C must be received by the laboratory within 72 hours of collection.

Specimen Transport

• Ship specimens to arrive at the laboratory Tuesday-Friday. 
  
• Ship unfrozen specimens on ice packs. 
• Ship frozen specimens on dry ice.
• Specimen must be placed in an individual biohazard bag with absorbent material.
• All infectious substance shipments must conform to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR 49 C.F.R. Parts 171-180). 

• The following specimens will be rejected and reported as "unsatisfactory":

- Specimens that broke or leaked in transit

- No specimen was in the container submitted

- Improper specimen type submitted

- Specimens received at improper temperature

- Improper labeling of specimen

- Unfrozen VTM/UTM specimens or saline specimens received after 72 hours of collection

• Nashville
• Knoxville (PCR only)