Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Brief Description

Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
SARS-CoV-2 Antigen
SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG semi-quantitative Serology*

* The LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 Antigen test and TrimericS IgG are only for use under the Food and Drug Administration's Emergency Use Authorization.

Laboratory Unit

Molecular
Virology

Methodology

Real-Time PCR
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)

Specimen Collection

2019-nCoV Collection Kits
SARS-CoV-2 IgG Collection Kits
SARS-CoV-2 Antigen 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

Store and ship at refrigerated temperature
Serology – Shipped within 21 days of collection
Antigen – Received within 6 days of collection

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 IgG Serology Kit Instructions
SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Kit Instructions

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Real-Time PCR

  • Nasopharyngeal swab in Viral Transport Media (VTM)
  • Nasal swab in provided inactivation buffer

Antigen

  • Nasal swab in provided inactivation buffer

IgG Serology (Collected 15 days or more post symptom onset)

  • Serum (preferred)
  • Plasma (lithium heparin and dipotassium EDTA)

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

  • Detected*
  • Not Detected
  • Invalid (Specimen is inadequate for testing, a new specimen may need to be collected)

Antigen

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

IgG Serology

  • Positive – antibody level expressed as AU/ml
  • Negative
  • Invalid (Specimen is inadequate for testing, a new specimen may need to be collected)

* Effective October 1, 2021, all specimens submitted for SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time PCR analysis will also receive testing for Influenza A & B by Real-Time PCR analysis.

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

PCR - 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