Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- Sputum
- Nose and Throat Swab
- Throat Swab
- Swab
N/A Proprietary swab kits used.
Turnaround Time
24 hrsSample Stability
Samples safe at room temperature.Coronavirus PCR (SARS-CoV-2)
General Information
Nose and throat swabs are tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus. This assay tests for excreted virus and does not function as a test of cure.
Patient Preparation
Nose and throat swabs for virology / molecular tests
Use a green topped virology transport medium kit (labelled as Green Top Sigma-VIROCULT swab).
Throat: Ask patient to sit upright facing a strong light, tilt head backwards, open mouth and stick out tongue. Depress tongue with a spatula. Ask patient to say ‘Ah’. Quickly but gently roll the swab over the tonsils and posterior pharynx
Nose: Ask patient to tilt head backwards. Insert swab inside the anterior nares with the tip directed upwards and gently rotate.
- Place the swab(s) in the transport liquid and snap off the swab shaft at the score line so it fits into the sample pot. Close the cap tightly and label with patient information. Label as “nose”, “throat” or “nose and throat”
Specifications
- EQA Scheme?: Yes
- EQA Status: NEQAS, QCMD, LabQuailty, INSTAND.