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COVID-19 Testing FAQ Lab Corp

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48 views6 pages

COVID-19 Testing FAQ Lab Corp

Uploaded by

Kavya Shree
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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COVID-19 TESTING FAQ

March 8, 2020
Does LabCorp offer testing for detecting Coronavirus?
Yes, COVID-19 testing is available as of 3/5/2020.

How do I order COVID-19?


Test ordering information is available at our website
https://www.labcorp.com/tests/139900/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-naa
Order Code: 139900
LCLS Name: SARS-CoV-2, NAA
eDOS Name: 2019 Novel Coronavirus (CoVID-19), NAA
Synonyms: COVID-19, 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan Coronavirus

Ordering must be performed by a physician.

What is the Turn around Time?


Current turn around time is estimated between 3-4 days. In some cases, additional
time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing
schedules may vary.

What sample types are acceptable?


• Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab submitted in viral transport medium, preferred
sample type
• Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or bronchial washings, 2-3 mL collected into a
sterile, leak-proof, screw cap sputum collection cup or sterile dry container
obtained by physician. Preferred volume 1 mL. Minimum volume 0.2 mL
• Oropharyngeal (OP) swab submitted in viral transport media
• Oropharyngeal (OP) aspirate or washing submitted in a sterile, leak-proof, screw
cap sputum collection cup or dry sterile container. Preferred volume 1 mL.
Minimum volume 0.2 mL
• Nasopharyngeal (NP) aspirate or washing submitted in a sterile, leak-proof,
screw cap sputum collection cup or dry sterile container. Preferred volume 1 mL.
Minimum volume 0.2 mL
What supplies do I need to collect for COVID-19?
For nasopharyngeal swab collection specimens should be collected using a
Nasopharyngeal Dry Flocked Swab that are placed and transported in Universal
Transport Media. This will require two consumables. Sample must be collected with
a Dry Flocked Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab made with synthetic tips (dycron, rayon,
polyester) Recommend using Nasopharyngeal Dry Flocked Swab, Supply Ordering
Number: 93307 and placed in Universal Transport Media supply ordering number:
24674. Note: the two swabs are included with the Universal Transport Media, these
should be discarded and not used for specimen collection. It is unable to be ordered
without the swabs. Only use Nasopharyngeal Dry Flocked swab for COVID-19
specimen collection. Specimen label and biohazard bag are also needed.

The healthcare professional will also need appropriate personal protection


equipment.

Or

What are the storage and shipping requirements?


Samples should be stored frozen. The preferred method of shipment is frozen
samples; however, samples can be shipped refrigerated at 2-8 ◦C and are stable at
this temperature up to 72 hours. Room temperature specimens are not acceptable
at this time. We are actively working on extending the stability of refrigerated
samples and hope to have that information as soon as possible.
What is the process for collecting?
Supplies needed
• Nasopharyngeal Dry Flocked Swab or Nasopharyngeal Swabs with synthetic tips
(Dacron, rayon, polyester)
• Universal Transport Medium (UTM-RT), different volumes and vendors are ok
• Specimen Label
• Biohazard bag
Collection
• Assemble the supplies needed.
• Insert swab into the nostril parallel to the palate. Leave in place a few seconds to
absorb secretions
• Open swab container and remove the swab, taking care not to touch the tip to any
surface or lay it down.
• Open the Universal Transport Media. Remove the cap. The two swabs included
with the media should be discarded and not used for specimen collection.
• With the patient seated, tilt their head back 70 degrees, support the back of their
head with your non-dominant hand.
• Holding the swab in your hand, gently insert Nasopharyngeal (NP) Dry Flocked Swab
into the nostril along the floor of the nose extending straight back until the
posterior nasopharynx is reached (distance from nostrils to external opening of
ear). Leave in place for a few seconds to absorb secretions.
• Place NP swab into the Universal Transport Medium, break (snap) off shaft at the
indicator line on the swab. Replace the cap and close the tube

Or Placed into

• Label sample and place into biohazard bag. Mark that the sample is frozen.
• Freeze specimen and keep frozen.
• Submit sample on one requisition with test code 139900 – COVID-19 on requisition.
• To avoid delays in turn around time when requesting multiple tests on frozen
samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested

Note: there are video procedures available online from the


New England Journal of Medicine or The Joint Commission
Who collects the samples?
LabCorp does not current collect specimens for testing. Test specimens for
COVID-19 must be collected by a physician or other healthcare provider.

Individuals seeking testing for COVID-19 should consult with their physician or
healthcare provider, who must order the test if they determine the individual
meets the testing criteria. Self-ordered testing for COVID-19 is not available.
How do we ship?
Ship Category B. The preferred method of shipment is frozen samples however
samples can be shipped refrigerated at 2-8 ◦C and are stable at this temperature
up to 72 hours. Do not send room temperature samples.
What happens if the test results as positive?
Federal guidelines require the testing laboratories to report the result to the
CDC as well as state and local agencies. The clinician will also report positives
to the state. Confirmation testing is not going to the CDC. Some states are
asking for positives to be sent to them for confirmation.

How will ordering physicians be notified of positive results?


Positive results will be treated as a critical result and will be called to the ordering
physician or heal care provider. Indeterminate results and negative results will not
be called.

What is the production schedule?


We are currently running the test on three shifts. Testing is continuous flow into
our laboratory.

What are causes for rejection?


• Swabs with calcium alginate or cotton tips
• Swabs with wooden shafts
• Refrigerated samples greater than 72 hours old
• Room temperature specimen submitted
• Collection with substances inhibitory to PCR including heparin, hemoglobin,
ethanol, EDTA concentrations >0.01M
• Improperly labeled
• Grossly contaminated
• Broken or leaking transport device
What IT information is available for setting up in the interface?
Use path below for Test information needed
https://westweb.labcorp.com/kb/covid-19

Note: Link above can only be reached internally. It cannot be reached


outside of the LabCorp network

Is the client bill pricing available?


Pricing will be communicated as soon as available

How much does it cost?


The test was mandated for reimbursement by the US government as an
essential health service, so all payers and SMS are mandated to reimburse.
Billing information (NLA) and related coding is being finalized.

How should I position this testing?

Currently we should not be actively marketing COVID-19 testing. As we


understand how our capacity aligns with the national demand we will adjust
accordingly.

Messaging we want to send to clients


• For patients that require rapid TAT (within 24 hours), you should be working
with your local state lab or academic institution for these high risk patients.
• For non-urgent testing or screening, LabCorp can generally provide results
within 3-4 days
• LabCorp continues to work on increasing capacity for COVID-19 testing
Sample Report

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