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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19), NAAT

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3777    Geisinger Epic ID:  137323

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Nasopharynx (Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab)(preferred/optimal specimen). 
Other acceptable specimens are Nasal Turbinate (mid-nasal turbinate), Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), Tracheal Aspirate, Sputum, and self-collect nasal turbinate.


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
Sterile specimen container
Specimen required: 

Swab or sputum/tracheal aspirate/BAL in UTM.


Special notes: 

Specimens in sterile containers (sputum, tracheal aspirate, BAL) must be transferred into UTM within one hour of collection.
Check expiration date on collection/transport device before use. 
To ensure biosafety, respiratory specimens collected in UTM must be placed in individual biohazard bags at the collection site. This precaution is necessary because UTM specimens may leak and can contaminate other specimens or personnel handling the bags.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Specimens in UTM or sterile container: Refrigerated (2-8°C).


Specimen stability: 

UTM: Stable at 4°C for up to 5 days after collection. Stable for 24 hours at room temperature (15-25°C). 
Specimens in sterile containers (sputum, tracheal aspirate, BAL) must be transferred into UTM within one hour of collection.


Rejection criteria: 

Specimens stored or transported at incorrect temperature. Swab specimens not in transport medium. Improperly labeled/identified specimens. Expired transport medium. Specimens which exceed stability limits. Insufficient specimen volume. Inappropriate specimen type. Swab specimens should be collected only on swabs with a synthetic tip (such as polyester or Dacron®) with aluminum or plastic shafts. Swabs with calcium alginate or cotton tips with wooden shafts are not acceptable. Specimens improperly bagged.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

Negative. 2019 Novel Coronavirus not detected.


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Positive. 2019 Novel Coronavirus detected.
Additional information: 

Respiratory Testing Algorithm


CPT code(s):  87635 or U0002 (depending on method used)
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Molecular detection of RNA from approved respiratory specimens. This assay uses real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for in vitro qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2.


Methodology: 
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Synonyms: 

Comprehensive viral studies, PCR, respiratory pathogen (PCR), coronavirus, COVID-19, COVID, nCoV, SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-2, MOLECULAR DETECTION, RESPIRATORY– (2019- nCoV) , CORONAVIRUS NCOV19


Clinical significance: 

Respiratory pathogens cause acute local and systemic disease of varying severity, with the most severe cases occurring in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Due to the similarity of diseases caused by many viruses and bacteria, diagnosis based on clinical symptoms alone is difficult. Identification of potential causative agents provides data to aid the physician to determine appropriate patient treatment and public health response for disease containment.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Donna Wolk PhD, D(ABMM)
Julie Hirschhorn, PhD, HCLD(ABB)
Review Date:  06/17/2025

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