IMPORTANT! Pre-approval needed from state or local health department. Local or State Health Department. Send approval to
NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444.
NPHL has moved to an electronic ordering system, NUlirt, and it is now the preferred method to order all tests. Once ordered, print a "batch list" (see
NUlirt Guide).
Forms Required - Nulirt batch list or NPHL Test Request Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen to include the following information: symptoms and date of onset, pregnancy status, travel and vaccine history. Testing
will not be performed without all required information.
Please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459 for further clarification.
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| Test: |
Real-Time RT-PCR Panel for Detection 2019-Novel Coronavirus |
| Synonym: |
Specific detection of 2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV 2, novel coronavirus |
| Method: |
Qualitative nucleic acid amplified real time RT-PCR ( rT-PCR) assay |
| Availability: |
Test performed Monday-Friday; Turn-around time 24-48hrs |
| Specimen: |
Nasopharyngeal swab (Preferred) and/or Oropharyngeal swab |
| Collection Device: |
Swab specimens should be collected only on swabs with a synthetic tip (such as polyester or Dacron®) with aluminum or plastic shafts. Do not use calcium alginate swabs or swabs with wooden shafts, as they may contain substances that inactivate some viruses and inhibit PCR testing. |
| Volume: |
2-3 mL viral transport media such as Viral Transport Media (VTM), Universal Transport Media (UTM), M4 or V-C-M Medium |
| Storage/Transport: |
2-8°C ; Specimens can be stored at 2-8°C for up to 72 hours after collection but should be transported to the Nebraska Public Health Lab as soon as possible for testing. |
| Unacceptable: |
- Specimens not kept at 2-4°C (≤3 days) or frozen at -70°C or below.
- Incomplete specimen labeling or documentation.
- Inappropriate specimen type.
- Insufficient specimen volume.
- Swabs submitted with calcium alginate or cotton tips with wooden shafts are not acceptable.
|
| Specimen Stability: |
Refrigerated, 72 hours |
| Reference Interval: |
Presumptive Positive, Negative, Inconclusive and Specimen Unsatisfactory for 2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV 2 |
| Reportable Disease: |
A presumptive positive 2019-nCoV result will be immediately called to the local or state health department |
| Comments: |
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services must approve this test prior to it being sent for testing. Please contact your local health department to facilitate this process.
Presumptive Positive – Confirmatory Testing Required by CDC |
| Revised: |
4/3/2020 |
If you have questions about proper specimen collection, please call
NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459.
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