TEST: LABSTRNDCOV2
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Please read before sending samples for SARS-CoV-2
LAB INTAKE FORM must be completed if your facility has not previously submitted COVID-19 testing to Stanford.
This guidance covers testing performed at the Stanford Lab for Strand-Specific SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and is only intended for FACILITIES OUTSIDE OF STANFORD (including UHA).
TEST DETAILS
Use
- Strand-specific RT-PCR can be used to supplement, not replace, CDC guidance. This test may be helpful in assessing whether there is a need to extend isolation (e.g. severe illness, severely immunocompromised individuals). Presence of minus strand is evidence of ongoing virus replication.
Criteria for Ordering Test
- Strand-specific COVID testing is only indicated in individuals who are COVID positive (SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive by regular RT-PCR).
Expected Turnaround Time
- 5 days after specimen is received
- Turn-around-time is defined as after receipt in the lab
- Longer turn-around times can occur depending on supplies and other external factors.
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
Specimen
- Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab
- Mid-turbinate nasal swab
- Anterior nasal swab
- Nasal aspirate/wash
- Oropharyngeal swab - best if ordered with NP swab (place both swabs in 1 tube)
- Bronchial washing or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens in sterile container
Volume
- 1 mL (minimum 0.5 mL)
Swab and Container
- Use flocked swab (preferred) for collection.
- Other swabs acceptable.
Exceptions: Do not use calcium alginate tipped swabs and swabs with wooden shafts. - Place swab immediately into tube containing 2-3 mL viral (preferred) or universal transport medium; saline can be used if necessary.
- Sterile cups are acceptable for nasal aspirates/washes, bronchial washing, or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).
HANDLING AND TRANSPORT INSTRUCTIONS
Specimen Handling
- Specimen is stable for 72 hours
- Specimen must be kept at 2-8°C (refrigerated/cool) or frozen
- Specimen must be labeled with two patient identifiers
- Complete requisition: Provided upon approval. Must complete LAB INTAKE FORM prior to specimen submission.
Specimen Drop-off Location
- Stanford Health Care Clinical Laboratories
3375 Hillview Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94304 - Hours: 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
- Sample(s) must be hand delivered to Front Desk Security. No patient specimen drop-offs are allowed.
RESULTS & REPORTING
- Negative and positive result reports will be sent to Report Fax Number on requisition.
- Report results to patient according to your organization's policy.
RESOURCES
- Lab Customer Service: 1-877-717-3733
Page Updated: 02/15/2021