SARS-CoV-2 RNA (COVID-19), Qualitative NAAT
Test Code
To meet regulatory reporting requirements for COVID-19 testing, the patient's address, phone number and other demographic details are required for this order.
Clinical Significance
SARS-CoV-2 RNA (COVID-19), Qualitative NAAT - The SARS-CoV-2 RNA (COVID-19), Nucleic-acid Amplification Test (NAAT) is a qualitative multi-target molecular diagnostics test that aids in the detection of COVID-19. This test is intended to be performed on respiratory specimens collected from individuals who meet the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) clinical and/or Epidemiological criteria for COVID-19 testing. For details visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/index.html.
Result ...
Test Resources
Fact Sheet
Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet (Quest IVD)Fact Sheet
Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet (Roche)Fact Sheet
Patient Fact Sheet (Hologic Panther)Marketing - Marketing Brochure
COVID-19 PCR and Serology BrochureSpecimen Handling - Specimen Collection Guide
COVID-19 Nasopharyngeal Sample Collection GuideSpecimen Handling - Specimen Collection Guide
COVID-19 Oropharyngeal Specimen Collection GuideSpecimen Handling - Specimen Collection Guide
Sputum Specimen Collection GuideTest Result
COVID-19 Patient Results BrochureTest Details
Methodology
Reference Range(s)
Alternative Name(s)
Preferred Specimen(s)
One (1) nasopharyngeal (NP) swab collected in a multi microbe media (M4, M4RT, M5, M6), VCM (UTM) medium (green-top) tube, Amies liquid elution swab (ESwab), or equivalent Viral Transport Media (VTM), including saline or PBS
Alternative Specimen(s)
Upper respiratory specimens such as: One (1) oropharyngeal (OP) swab; combination NP/OP swabs collected together; or an anterior nares specimen (collected using only a foam swab) in a multi microbe media (M4, M4RT, M5, M6), VCM (UTM) medium (green-top) tube, Amies liquid elution swab (ESwab), or equivalent Viral Transport Media (VTM), including saline or PBS
OR
Lower respiratory specimens such as: 0.85 mL bronchoalveolar lavage/wash, nasopharyngeal aspirate/wash, tracheal aspirate, or sputum sample collected in a plastic sterile leak-proof container
Minimum Volume
1 swab • 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions
Quest Diagnostic Patient Service Centers now offer observed anterior nares (AN) patient specimen self-collection for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (COVID-19) Qualitative NAAT, where allowed by state regulations, for patients who are asymptomatic or experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms.
If patients are experiencing severe symptoms such as a high-grade fever of 102° F or more that has lasted for 48 hours or severe and constant shortness of breath, they will need to consult a healthcare provider and will not be eligible for testing at a Patient Service Center.
Cold packs/pouches must be used if placing specimens in a lockbox for courier pick-up. STAT pick-up cannot be ordered for this test.
Each COVID-19 specimen transport vial that is submitted should be accompanied by its own separate requisition and transported in its own sealed bag.
Transport Container
Preferred: Multi microbe media (M4, M4RT, M5, M6), VCM medium (green-cap) tube or equivalent (UTM)
Acceptable: Plastic sterile leak-proof container
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 5 days
- Refrigerated (2-8° C): 5 days
- Frozen (-20° C): Acceptable
- Frozen (-70° C): Acceptable
Reject Criteria
Calcium alginate swabs; Cotton swabs with wooden shaft • Amies liquid or gel transport used for bacterial cultures • Tubes with clot activator • Glass tubes • Snap-cap tubes • 3D printed swabs • Media with guanidine isothiocyanate (GITC) due to safety concerns
Setup Schedule
OR
Lower respiratory specimens such as: 0.85 mL bronchoalveolar lavage/wash, nasopharyngeal aspirate/wash, tracheal aspirate, or sputum sample collected in a plastic sterile leak-proof container
If patients are experiencing severe symptoms such as a high-grade fever of 102° F or more that has lasted for 48 hours or severe and constant shortness of breath, they will need to consult a healthcare provider and will not be eligible for testing at a Patient Service Center.
Cold packs/pouches must be used if placing specimens in a lockbox for courier pick-up. STAT pick-up cannot be ordered for this test.
Each COVID-19 specimen transport vial that is submitted should be accompanied by its own separate requisition and transported in its own sealed bag.
Acceptable: Plastic sterile leak-proof container
Refrigerated (2-8° C): 5 days
Frozen (-20° C): Acceptable
Frozen (-70° C): Acceptable