Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Brief Description

Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG Serology

Laboratory Unit

Molecular
Virology

Methodology

Real-Time PCR
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) IgG Qualitative Serology

Specimen Collection

2019-nCoV Collection Kits
SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG Collection Kits

Before collecting and shipping specimens for Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) testing, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at 877-435-8411 for approval. Note that before any specimen is sent for testing, DHSS staff must first be consulted!

After consultation and determination that the patient meets the criteria for testing, contact the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL) at 573/751-3334 or 800/392-0272 if you have questions regarding collection and shipping prior to collecting the specimens. This will help ensure that proper specimens are obtained in the right quantity, and that they are packed and transported properly.

MO PUI Guidance

Storage/Transport

Refrigerated temperature

GIS map of courier drop off locations Monday-Friday

List of courier drop off locations by county Monday-Friday

Sunday Courier Locations

COVID-19 Kit Instructions

SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG Kit Instructions

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Real-Time PCR

  • Nasopharyngeal swab in Viral Transport Media (VTM)

IgG Serology

  • Serum (preferred)
  • Plasma

Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Patients under Investigation for 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Test Request Form(s)

Virology Test Request Form REQUIRED

Possible Results

Real-Time PCR

  • Not Detected
  • Positive 2019-nCoV
  • Inconclusive (Specimen may be referred to CDC for additional testing)
  • Invalid (Specimen is inadequate for testing, a new specimen may need to be collected)

IgG Serology

  • Positive
  • Negative
  • Invalid (Specimen is inadequate for testing, a new specimen may need to be collected)

Unacceptable Conditions

  • 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
  • Hemolyzed specimen

Interfering Substances

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

Result Reported

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

Fees

None

CPT Codes

N/A

LOINC/SNOMED Codes

N/A

Additional Information