TEST: LABSARSCOV2
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Please read before sending samples for SARS-CoV-2
LAB INTAKE FORM must be completed if your facility has not previously submitted COVID-19 testing to Stanford.
This guidance covers testing performed at the Stanford Lab for SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Testing and is only intended for FACILITIES OUTSIDE OF STANFORD (including UHA).
TEST DETAILS
Use
- Detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid, indicative of current infection
Expected Turnaround Time
- 48 – 72 hours
- Turn-around-time is defined as after receipt in the lab
- Slower turn-around times can occur depending on supplies and other external factors.
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
Specimen
- Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs
- Mid-turbinate nasal swab
- Anterior nasal swab
- Nasal aspirates/washes
- Oropharyngeal swab - best if ordered with NP swab (place both swabs in 1 tube)
- EDTA plasma
- Bronchial washing or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens in sterile container
Volume
- 2-3 mL (minimum 1 mL)
Swab and Container
- Use flocked swab (preferred) for collection.
- Other swabs acceptable.
Exceptions: Do not use calcium alginate tipped swabs and swabs with wooden shafts. - Place swab immediately into tube containing 2-3 mL viral (preferred) or universal transport medium; saline can be used if necessary.
- Sterile cups are acceptable for nasal aspirates/washes, bronchial washing, or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).
HANDLING AND TRANSPORT INSTRUCTIONS
Specimen Handling
- Specimen is stable for 72 hours
- Specimen must be kept at 2-8°C (refrigerated/cool) or frozen
- Specimen must be labeled with two patient identifiers
- Complete requisition: COVID-19 Requisition Form
Specimen Drop-off Location
- Stanford Health Care Clinical Laboratories
3375 Hillview Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94304 - Hours: 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
- Sample(s) must be hand delivered to Front Desk Security. No patient specimen drop-offs are allowed.
RESULTS & REPORTING
- Positive results will be called to Physician Phone Number on requisition. Only positive results will be called.
- Negative and positive result reports will be sent to Report Fax Number on requisition.
- Report results to patient according to your organization's policy.
RESOURCES
- Lab Customer Service: 1-877-717-3733
Page Updated: 02/15/2021