Test Code SCOV2 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2), Molecular Detection, Varies
Advisory Information
Due to the non-specific clinical presentation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the early stages of the illness, testing for other respiratory infections (eg, influenza) may be warranted.
For the most up-to-date severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemiology and testing recommendations, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Shipping Instructions
Specimen Required
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal swab (Eswabs are not acceptable)
Container/Tube: Sterile container with transport media
Specimen Volume: Swab in 3 mL of media
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect specimen by swabbing back and forth over mucosa surface to maximize recovery of cells.
2. Swab must be placed into viral transport media (eg, M4-RT, M4 or M5), saline, phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or minimum essential media (MEM). Media should not contain guanidine thiocyanate (GTC). For more information on acceptable transport media, see https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-situations-medical-devices/faqs-diagnostic-testing-sars-cov-2
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: Oropharyngeal (throat) swab, nasal mid-turbinate, or nares/nasal swab
Supplies:
-Culturette (BBL Culture Swab) (T092)
-Swab, Sterile Polyester (T507)
Container/Tube: Sterile container with transport media
Preferred: BBL Culture Swab (Eswabs are not acceptable)
Acceptable: Dacron-tipped swab with plastic handle
Specimen Volume: Swab in 3 mL of media
Collection Instructions: Swab must be placed into viral transport media (eg, M4-RT, M4, or M5), saline, PBS or MEM. Media should not contain guanidine thiocyanate (GTC). For more information on acceptable transport media, see https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-situations-medical-devices/faqs-diagnostic-testing-sars-cov-2
Specimen Type: Lower respiratory tract
Sources: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), bronchial washings, sputum, tracheal aspirate/secretion
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Additional Information: Do not aliquot into viral transport media.
Secondary ID
608430Useful For
Detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)
This test should not be performed unless the patient meets clinical and epidemiologic criteria for testing.
Special Instructions
Method Name
Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
Reporting Name
SARS Coronavirus-2, PCR, VariesSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen Minimum Volume
Swab in 0.5 mL of media
Lower respiratory specimens: 1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Varies | Frozen (preferred) | 7 days | |
Refrigerated | 7 days |
Reject Due To
E-swab, calcium alginate-tipped swab, wood swab, dry swab, or transport swab containing gel or charcoal additive | Reject |
Reference Values
Undetected
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Performing Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. Independent review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is pending.CPT Code Information
U0003 (Rochester)
87635 (Florida)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
SCOV2 | SARS Coronavirus-2, PCR, Varies | 94500-6 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
608442 | SARS Coronavirus-2, PCR | 94500-6 |
COVS | SARS Coronavirus-2 Source | 31208-2 |
CRACE | Patient Race | 72826-1 |
CETHN | Patient Ethnicity | 69490-1 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a General Request (T239) with the specimen.