SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), PCR
CPT Code(s):
87635
Turnaround Time:
24 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Swab
Minimum Volume:
1 swab
Transport Container:
Viral Transport Media Tube (with NPS or Nasal Swab)
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Nasal or Nasopharyngeal Swab (NPS) collected according to standard technique and immediately placed in 1 - 3 mL of transport media
Rejection Criteria:
Bacterial swab specimen; specimen received in grossly leaking transport container; dry specimen; specimen received in expired transport media or incorrect transport device; inappropriate specimen transport conditions; specimen received after prolonged delay in transport (usually more than 72 hours); specimen stored or transported at room temperature; wooden shaft swab in transport device; unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
72 hours
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) PCR test, also known as the polymerase chain reaction test, is a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a patient's respiratory sample, typically obtained from a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab. This test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing active COVID-19 infection.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of the SARS-CoV-2 PCR include:
1. Accurate Diagnosis: PCR is highly sensitive and specific in detecting the genetic material (RNA) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can identify even very small amounts of the virus, providing a reliable diagnosis of COVID-19.
2. Early Detection: PCR can detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the early stages of infection, even before the onset of symptoms. Early detection allows for prompt isolation and appropriate management of infected individuals, reducing the risk of transmission to others.
3. Monitoring Disease Progression: PCR can be used to monitor the progression of COVID-19 in patients. Serial testing helps assess viral load dynamics and guides clinical decision-making, such as determining the appropriate timing for hospitalization or adjusting treatment strategies.
4. Contact Tracing: By identifying individuals who are currently infected with SARS-CoV-2, PCR plays a crucial role in contact tracing efforts. It helps identify and notify close contacts who may have been exposed to the virus, enabling timely testing, monitoring, and quarantine measures to prevent further spread.
5. Public Health Surveillance: PCR testing at the population level provides valuable epidemiological data on the prevalence, distribution, and transmission dynamics of COVID-19. It helps public health authorities monitor outbreaks, assess the effectiveness of control measures, and make informed decisions about testing strategies and public health interventions.
It's important to note that the SARS-CoV-2 PCR specifically detects the presence of the virus's genetic material and confirms active infection. It does not provide information about an individual's immune response or past infection. Serological tests, such as antibody tests, are used to detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination.
In summary, the SARS-CoV-2 PCR is a vital tool for diagnosing active COVID-19 infection. It enables early detection, monitoring of disease progression, contact tracing, and provides valuable data for public health surveillance. Its high sensitivity and specificity make it an essential component of the diagnostic approach for identifying and controlling the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.