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Test Code NC19 SARS-CoV-2 RNA Test

Important Note

Please refer to sample collection procedure for upper respiratory virus.

Suspected highly infectious specimen, i.e., A(H5N1), MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), should be carefully packaged and clearly labeled with "Suspected A(H5N1), MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)" for easy identification.

A special collection media (red top) is needed. Please dispatch a porter to the Molecular Diagnosis Centre with the following instruction: "Collect 1× swab for COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2".

Infectious

Specimen Requirements

Preferred
Specimen Type: Swab Sources: Nasopharyngeal, nasal, throat, oropharyngeal/mid-turbinate
Container/Tube: Universal transport media
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Please contact the laboratory for universal transport medium

 

Acceptable
Submit only one of the following:
Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal aspirate/wash or nasal aspirate
Container/Tube: Sterile plain container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection

 

Specimen Type: Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) or Sputum

Container/Tube: Sterile plain container

Specimen Volume: Entire collection

Specimen Stability

All samples 72 hours, refrigerated

Methodology

Real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction, Qualitative

Days and Times Performed

TAT 1 day

Testing Laboratory

National University Hospital

Molecular Microbiology Laboratory (MML), Microbiology division, 67724384

Useful For

For rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19)

Update

Last updated 24/05/2026

Service Code

LBC00244

1033031

Laboratory Code

LAB2437