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Test ID: COVID-19 PCR
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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RT-PCR
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Useful For
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In vitro test for the qualitative detection and confirmation of virus nucleic acid in human respiratory samples as an aid to the evaluation of infections with SARS-CoV-2
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Method name and description
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Commercial multiplexed real time retro transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology. The viral RNA is transcribed into cDNA using a specific primer-mediated reverse transcription step followed immediately in the same tube by a polymerase chain reaction in one step. The presence of specific viral sequences in the reaction is detected by an increase in the fluorescence observed from the relevant dual-labeled probes and is reported as a cycle threshold value (Ct) by the Real time thermocycler.
The assay uses an internal control (IC) to control the different steps of the test. 2 or 3 different viral genome sequences are targeted, depending on the kit and /or system used. Using different targets increases the sensitivity and the specificity and allow detecting mutant strains.
An average CT value will be released with the results when a specific reactivity is obtained.
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Clinical information
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COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus discovered in 2019. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Some people who are infected may not have symptoms. For people who have symptoms, illness can range from mild to severe. Adults 65 years and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness. People 12 years and older should get COVID-19 vaccines to prevent getting and spreading the illness.
https://www.cdc.gov/dotw/covid-19/index.html
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Aliases
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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 PCR
SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR
COVID-19 RT-PCR
COVID-19 PCR
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Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container
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- Specimen type: Upper & Lower Respiratory specimens: Combined nasopharyngeal/throat swabs, nasopharyngeal swab/aspirate, midturbinate nasal swab, saliva, sputum, endotracheal aspirate, throat swab, oropharyngeal swab, Broncho alveolar lavage, bronchial wash
- Specimen Volume: 2-3 mL
- Specimen container/Tube: Place swabs/specimen in tube containing Virus/Universal Transport Medium (UTM).
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Collection instructions / Special Precautions / Timing of collection
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Collection as per organization guidelines
No special timing of collection
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Relevant clinical information to be provided
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Description of symptoms and history of the clinical presentation
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Storage and transport instructions
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The specimens should be transported immediately in cool box with ice pack to the Central Processing (CP) of the Virology and Molecular Biology Section, 1st floor, Building 321 in Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City.
If specimen(s) cannot be delivered immediately to CP, store in a refrigerator (4 - 8◦C) for no more than 24 hours.
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Specimen Rejection Criteria
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- An inadequate volume of specimen for testing is received (QNS).
- The specimen has leaked
- The specimen is in a wrong container
- Improper storage of specimen before submission to virology laboratory
- Patient information on request are wrong or does not match with information on the sample tube/container
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Biological reference intervals and clinical decision values
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Positive: COVID-19 PCR: Detected
Inconclusive: results can occasionally indicate an acute covid-19 infection (<5%) and a repeat test could be taken where clinically indicated
Negative: COVID-19 PCR: Not detected
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Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time
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Turnaround time: within 24 hours
Test performed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Specimen retention time: 6 months for specimens with COVID-19 reactivity.
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