COVID-19 PCR-Based Testing
National Jewish Health Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories is now accepting COVD-19 samples to confirm the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus genetic material.
About Our COVID-19 Test
National Jewish Health Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories uses two PCR-based methodologies to process samples: (1) SARS-CoV-2 real-time RT-PCR and (2) SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR by MassArray. The first assay is based on the ThermoFisher TaqPath™ COVID-19 Combo Kit. The second assay is a novel test that National Jewish Health developed in collaboration with Agena Biosciences.
These PCR-based tests are intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in upper and lower respiratory specimens such as nasopharyngeal, midturbinate, nasal and oropharyngeal specimens and bronchoalveolar lavage samples collected from individuals suspected of COVID-19.
Turnaround time is 24-48 hours.
Specificity & Sensitivity
Both the SARS-CoV-2 real-time RT-PCR and SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR by MassArray assays have excellent sensitivity and specificity and correlate well with each other.
- 98-100% sensitive
- 99-100% specific
- LOD: 1-100 copies/mL
Emergency Use Authorization
National Jewish Health Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories has validated and is performing tests that have received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How to Order COVID-19 Test
Physicians, public health laboratories, hospital laboratories, and reference laboratories may order this test using the requisition form. Individuals who have suspected COVID-19 should contact their physician.
Questions? Contact Brooke Padilla at padillab@njhealth.org or 303.398.1420.