MERS-CoV (Middle-Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus)

Middle-Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Polymerase Chain Reaction

Molecular

Real-Time PCR

Samples are referred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing. Please contact the Molecular Unit at the MSPHL by calling 573-751-3334 for the latest guidance on collection and shipping requirements before collecting samples.

Samples are referred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing. Please contact the Molecular Unit at the MSPHL by calling 573-751-3334 for the latest guidance on collection and shipping requirements before collecting samples.

Upper Respiratory Specimen, ie. Nasopharyngeal/Oropharyngeal swab
Lower Respiratory Specimen, ie. Sputum, broncheoalveolar lavage, tracheal aspirate or pleural fluid
Red-top or serum separator blood tube
EDTA purple top blood tube
It is important to collect EACH specimen type!

Virology Test Request Form

• MERS-CoV Negative
• MERS-CoV Presumptive Positive (Specimen will be referred to CDC for confirmation.)
• Inconclusive (An inconclusive result may occur in the case of an inadequate specimen.)
• Equivocal (Additional analysis may be conducted by CDC.)
• Unsatisfactory

• The name on the specimen does not match the name on the requisition form.
• The specimen container is not labeled with the patient's name.
• Improper storage/transport of specimen.
• The sample collected with improper collection device-cotton-tipped or calcium-alginate swab, wooden-shaft swab, transport media not intended for viruses.
• The specimen is not one of the listed acceptable specimens.

Cotton-tipped or calcium-alginate swab, wooden-shaft swab, transport media not intended for viruses

Testing is performed and results are reported the same day the specimen is received.

None

N/A

N/A

CDC MERS-CoV Website

http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/