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COVID-19 Testing (LAB002110)
Test Mnemonic:

COVID19TEST

Specimen Requirements:
Test Included:

SARS-CoV-2 PCR or SARS-CoV-2 TMA testing

Collection:

Nasopharyngeal swab

Container:

Universal Transport Medium (UTM) or Viral Transport Medium (VTM)

Minimum Volume:

3 mL

Storage/Transport:

Refrigerate if transport delayed.

Specimen Preparation:

Insert fine-tip Dacron or flocked swab past nasal turbinates into posterior nasopharynx. Turn swab several times, remove, and place into UTM/VTM.

Stability:

Refrigerate if transport delayed.

Causes for Rejection:

Inappropriate source. Prolonged storage at room temperature. Repeat samples. Specimens received in non-sterile containers. Wooden swabs. Specimen container unlabeled or labeled incorrectly. No date and time of collection.

Reference Range:

Not Detected

Turnaround Time:

Testing performed 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Methodology:

Nucleic Acid Amplification (PCR or TMA)

Performed:
Lab:

Galveston Microbiology (PCR or TMA)

 

Synonyms:

COVID-19, COVID 19, Coronavirus, SARS, SARS-CoV-2

Clinical Indication:

Differential diagnosis of respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Patient Preparation :

Nasopharyngeal swab

CPT 4 Code:

87635

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.
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