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Test Code
C19PR
Test Name
SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) by PCR
CPT Codes
87635
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 3 days
Clinical Utility

To aid in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 2019
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal Swab, Oropharyngeal swab

Collection Container:  Flocked Swab in Universal Transport Media (UTM); Flocked Swab in Viral Transport Media (VTM)

Desired Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions
  1. Prior to collection, instruct the patient to blow their nose to remove excess mucous.
  2. Gently pass the swab through the nose into the posterior nasopharynx.
  3. Rub the swab on the nasopharyngeal membrane several times to loosen and collect cellular material.
  4. Withdraw the swab and place in UTM tube.
  5. Snap off swab at the score mark and screw on cap of UTM tube.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated, at room temperature, or frozen .
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

7 days

Refrigerated

7 days

Frozen

7 days
Causes for Rejection
  • Any specimen with leakage on the outside of the container will be rejected. Ensure the lid is tightly closed.
  • Any specimen collected in an outdated collection tube will be rejected.
Methodology
Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (rt-PCR)
Reference Intervals

SARS-CoV-2 Not Detected
Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Alternate Names
  • COVID
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-2019
  • Coronavirus disease 2019
Testing Schedule
Routine, daily
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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