SARS-CoV-2 PCR

Testing Laboratory

Department

Virology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

NCOV

Test Code (Numeric Code)

8429

Laboratory Handling

Transport

Same-day transport at room temperature is acceptable.

Laboratory

Specimens should be sent to the Molecular Infectious Diseases section during normal working hours, Monday to Friday (08:00–16:00). After hours and on weekends, store specimens at 2–8°C in the designated box/rack in ALSS.

Sample Stability

Stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days

Associated Tests

• Respiratory Virus PCR Panel
• Rapid Respiratory PCR Panel (Nasopharyngeal Swab)

Synonyms

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Nucleic Acid Detection
SARS-CoV-2 PCR
COVID-19 PCR

Turnaround Time

24 hours

Specimen Type

• Nasopharyngeal Swab

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Swab - Viral PCR

Acceptable

• Please refer to Additional Information below
• Swab - Viral PCR

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Swab - Viral PCR

Acceptable

• Please refer to Additional Information below
• Swab - Viral PCR

Additional Specimen Information

Swabs in UTM/VTM. minimum 0.6 mL
Test can also be run on:
• Nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA)
• Sputum
• Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) / bronchial washings (BW)
• Tracheal aspirate
For other specimen types, please contact Clinical Virologist by email at AK-MOL-INF-DIS@adhb.govt.nz before sending the specimen

Test Method

Qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (detected / not detected).

Urgent enquiries:
In normal working hours (08:00-16:00 Mon-Fri) contact Clinical Microbiologist via LabLINK (internal extension 22000, external number 09 307 8995).
Outside of normal working hours (evenings and weekends) contact the On Call Clinical Microbiologist via Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland main switchboard (09 367 0000).
Non-urgent enquiries:
Email: AK-MOL-INF-DIS@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Contact Information