Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- Sputum
- BAL
- NPA
- BAL
- Nose and Throat Swab
- Throat Swab
Turnaround Time
1 dayMERS-CoV Coronavirus real-time PCR
General Information
We offer two testing platforms for MERS-CoV testing, depending on sample type received.
Nose and throat swabs are tested using the Biofire Respiratory Panel 2.1 Plus, a rapid and syndromic diagnosic testing panel that can also rule out a variety of other aetiological causes Including SARS-CoV2, Influenzas A and B, Parainfluenzas 1-4, Adenoviruses, Seasonal Coronaviruses, Human Matapneumovirus, RSV, Rhinovirus and bacterial targets Bordetella spp, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Sputum, BAL and NPA samples are tested using the The RealStar® MERS-CoV RT-PCR Kit 1.0 which is an in vitro diagnostic test system,based on real-time PCR technology, for the qualitative detection of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) specific RNA.The RealStar® MERS-CoV RT-PCR Kit 1.0 consists of two independent assays,one targeting a region upstream of the E gene (upE) and the other targeting openreading frame 1a (orf1a) of the MERS-CoV genome.
Patient Preparation
For general aspects of taking respiratory samples we recommend that users follow either their local protocols or “The Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures”.
Sputum
- Ask patient to take three deep breaths in through their nose, exhale through pursed lips and then force a deep cough. Ask patient to expectorate into a 20ml white top sterile sample container.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
- BAL should be collected according to local protocols using sterile fluids as the instillate. Recovered lavage fluid should be aseptically transferred to a 20ml white top sterile sample container
Nasopharyngeal Aspirate (NPA)
- NPA should be collected according to local protocols using sterile fluids as the instillate. Recovered mucus/fluid should sent in a 20ml white top sterile sample container or other well sealed sterile container.
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”
Notes
Please contact the Consultant Virologist before sending any samples for MERS-CoV testing. Samples will not be tested without approval from the Virologist.
Specifications
- EQA Scheme?: Yes
- EQA Status: QCMD