PHEL Order Choice #: 90850
Synonyms: SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, COVID-19, Flu, FluSC2
Submission Form: SRD-1
Program: Virology
Unit: Molecular
Use: Surveillance
Method: RT-PCR
Platform: ABI 7500 Fast Dx
Preferred Specimen Type: NP Swab
Accepted Specimen Types: NP swabs, OP swabs, nasal mid-turbinate swabs, nasal swabs, throat swabs, lower respiratory tract aspirates, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate or nasal aspirate. All swabs should be in 1-3ml of viral transport media (VTM). Swabs made of calcium alginate or that have cotton tips or wooden shafts are not acceptable.
Volume Requirements: Minimum volume VTM 500ul
Storage Temperature: Refrigerate specimens at 2-8C for up to 72 hours after collection. Specimens stored longer than 72 hours after collection should be frozen at -70C. Specimens frozen at -20C will be accepted although this can potentially impact specimen quality.
Transport Requirements: Ship refrigerated specimens on ice packs to maintain 2-8C. Ship frozen specimens on dry ice.
