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COVID-19 and Influenza Multiplex Assay RT-PCR  

 
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: COVID-19 and Influenza Multiplex Assay RT-PCR  
Synonym: Specific detection of 2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV2, novel coronavirus, and influenza A, flu A, influenza B, flu B  
Method: Qualitative nucleic acid amplified real time RT-PCR (RT-PCR) assay  
Availability: Test performed Monday – Friday; Turn-around-time 24-48hr  
Specimen: Nasopharyngeal swab, Nasal Swab  
Collection Device: Viral Transport Media  (VTM, UTM, VCM or M4), Saline
Specimens should be collected only on mini-tipped 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. sealed with parafilm or tape Specimen Labeling: Test subject to CLIA regulations and required 2 patient identifiers on specimen container and requisition forms  
Volume: 2-3 mL viral transport media  
Storage/Transport:

Prior to and during shipment: Refrigerate 2-8°C for up to 72h after collection. Ship as soon as possible.
Shipping instructions, including specimen-handling requirements during transport:
All screw-top tubes must be sealed with parafilm or tape.  
Package and ship as UN3373 Category B, Biological Substance. Place in biohazard bag with absorbent material. Refrigerated specimen should be shipped on frozen gel-packs. Transport by NPHL ground courier (NPHL brown shipper not required). If courier not available, contact Client Services (866) 290-1406 to arrange pickup.    
See instructions and shipping address: http://nphl.org/
Nulirt packing list or XX Form (completed in entirety) must accompany specimens.

 
Unacceptable: • Specimens not kept at 2-8°C (≤3 days) or frozen at -20°C or below. 
• Inappropriate specimen type. 
• Insufficient specimen volume.
• Swabs submitted with calcium alginate or cotton tips with wooden shafts are not acceptable.  
Specimen Stability: Stable at Refrigerated 2-8°C < 72hr; Frozen -20°C  >72h, stable frozen for 30 days  
Reference Interval: Negative for 2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV 2, Influenza A virus, Influenza B virus  
Reportable Disease: Presumptive positive results are reported to local or state health department. Refer to Nebraska DHHS Title 173, Communicable Diseases.   
Comments: Local health departments must approve this test prior to submission for testing.  
Pre-approval needed from state or local health department.  Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444.
Supplemental Forms Required – Nulirt packing list or NPHL Test Order Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen.  
Revised: 12/4/2020 
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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