Collect
Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs in viral transport media or saline. Swab specimen should be collected only on swabs with a synthetic tip and with aluminum or plastic shafts.
Minimum Volume: 2-3ml
Specimen Preparation
N/A
Patient Prep
N/A
Pediatric Collection
N/A
Unacceptable Conditions
Swabs with calcium alginate or cotton tips with wooden shafts are not acceptable.
Transport at ambient environmental conditions.
Storage Transport Temp
Specimens must be packaged, shipped, and transported according to the current edition of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulation. Follow shipping regulations for UN 3373 Biological Substance, Category B when sending potential SARS-CoV-2 specimens.
Store the specimens at 2-8°C for up to 72 hours after collection and transport on ice pack. If a specimen is frozen at -70 °C or lower, shipping must be overnight on dry ice.
Stability
Specimen can be stored at 4⁰C for up to 72 hours after collection. If a delay in extraction is expected, store specimen at -70⁰C or lower