Testing Laboratory
Counties Manukau | Middlemore HospitalDepartment
Microbiology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
RPP
Test Code (Numeric Code)
2221
Laboratory Handling
Sample Stability
.
Synonyms
MERS-CoV PCR
Turnaround Time
12 hours
Available 7am to 10pm, 7 days per week.
This test may be vetted by the laboratory. Please include relevant clinical information on the request form to ensure appropriate tests are approved. See the 'Clinical Information' section below for more information on the indications for testing.
Specimen Type
- Nasopharyngeal Swab
- Sputum
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- UTM Kit Flocked Swab - Viral
Acceptable
- Specimen Container
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- UTM Kit Flocked Swab - Viral
Acceptable
- Specimen Container
Pre-testing Requirements
Please contact one of the Clinical Microbiologists if testing for MERS-Coronavirus is indicated.
Relevant travel history must be provided as well as the date of onset of illness.
The attending medical practitioner should also notify any suspected case to the local Medical officer of health (ph 623 4600).
Additional Specimen Information
It is recommended that both upper and lower respiratory tract specimens be collected whenever possible. Tracheal aspirates and bronchial samples are also suitable for testing.
Last updated: 05/04/2026