Collect
Collect in a plain red top or SST tube.
Specimen Preparation
Serum Separator (SST):
Fill tube completely. Thoroughly mix the blood by inverting the tube five times. Allow blood to clot for 30 to 60 minutes (tube standing upright). Promptly centrifuge at 1500 to 2000 x g for no less than 15 minutes until clot and serum are separated. Use pipette provided, avoid touching the surface of the gel with the pipette tip, and promptly transfer all the serum into the appropriately labeled plastic vial(s). Re-cap immediately.
- Serum Clot Activator (Red Top):
Fill the tube. Thoroughly mix the blood by inverting the tube five times. Allow blood to clot for 30 to 60 minutes (tube standing upright). Centrifuge at 1500 to 2000 x g for no less than 15 minutes until clot and serum are separated. Use pipette provided to promptly transfer all the serum into the appropriately labeled plastic vial plastic vial (s).
Preferred volume: 1 mL serum
Patient Prep
N/A
Pediatric Collection
Minimum Volume: 0.5mL serum
Unacceptable Conditions
Plasma, lipemic, grossly hemolyzed, microbially contaminated specimens, or specimens with visible particulates should not be used.
Storage Transport Temp
Preferred: Frozen Send serum Priority Overnight via FedEx and in a well insulated container on dry ice.
Also Acceptable: Refrigerated (2-8C) within 72 hours.
Stability
Up to 8 hours ambient or 72 hours refrigerated at 2-8°C. Freeze at or below -20°C for longer storage or shipping.
Notes
Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a single–stranded RNA coronavirus. Comparisons of the genetic sequences of this virus have shown similarities to SARS-CoV and bat coronaviruses. In humans, coronaviruses cause respiratory infections. Coronaviruses are composed of several proteins including the spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M) and nucleocapsid (N). The spike protein binds to Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE 2) on cell surfaces and this binding is used by the virus as a mechanism of cell entry. Antibodies directed against spike protein may inhibit this binding and thus protect against viral infection and disease. IgG is the most abundantly found immunoglobulin to be produced in response to an antigen and will be maintained in the body after initial exposure or vaccination to provide a durable response.
The antibody test is a semi-quantitative ELISA that detects IgG antibodies to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The test reports numerical results that may aid in evaluation of the antibody response over time. Concentrations of antibody are provided in relative (arbitrary) units (RU). Results from this test alone cannot be used to assume that protective immunity has been achieved against SARS-CoV-2.