SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing

Submission of Positive SARS-CoV-2 Specimens for Variant Surveillance
SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing to detect variants
This testing is for epidemiological surveillance purposes only

Molecular

Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)

2019-nCoV Collection Kits

Requirements (Each of these is required for approval for specimen submission):

• All persons must have been diagnosed with COVID-19 by a positive viral diagnostic test, such as RT-PCR, other nucleic acid amplification test, or an antigen test.
• The RT-PCR Ct value is no more than 28. Not required if Ct value is not available, or can’t be obtained
• Specimens must meet the required MSPHL submission criteria for COVID-19 testing available at https://health.mo.gov/lab/ncov.php, and must be received by the MSPHL within 72 hours of collection, or have been stored frozen and shipped frozen using dry ice.

Submitting Specimens to the MSPHL: The submission of specimens to the MSPHL for testing and identification of variant SARS-CoV-2 viruses requires adhering to the following:

• Complete a MSPHL Test Request Form (TRF) for each specimen. The TRF is available online at http://health.mo.gov/lab/
• Must include that the specimen is submitted for variant virus surveillance on the TRF.
• Specimen must contain at least 500 μL of viral transport media (VTM) or saline
• Store the specimens at -70°C pending shipment and ship on dry ice

Specimens must be shipped to the MSPHL within 72 hours of collection. If this is not possible, the specimen must be frozen and shipped to the MSPHL on dry ice.

GIS map of courier drop off locations Monday-Friday

List of courier drop off locations by county Monday-Friday

Sunday Courier Locations

If you do not have access to the MSPHL Courier, please ship specimens by Fed Ex. Do not ship samples for arrival at the MSPHL on weekends or holidays. DO NOT use UPS to ship clinical specimens.

For questions about packaging and shipping an approved specimen for variant virus surveillance to the MSPHL, contact the MSPHL at 573-751-3334.

Respiratory swab in Viral Transport Media (VTM) or Saline

Virology Test Request Form REQUIRED

Due to federal regulation, the MSPHL is unable to provide result reports for SARS-CoV-2 variant sequencing surveillance to the submitter or patient. SARS-CoV-2 variant surveillance whole genome sequencing is intended for public health surveillance purposes only and cannot be used for diagnostic or individual clinical patient management. This method is not FDA cleared or CLIA regulated.

• Specimen is not approved for testing.
• 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.
• Quantity Not Sufficient for testing

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

N/A

None

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N/A

Cases, Data, and Surveillance-CDC