Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in patients suspected of viral infection with SARS-CoV-2.
For medical purposes only; not for travel screening.
Excessive mucus is a known inhibitor/interfering substance for molecular tests.
Please have patient blow their nose prior to NP and nasal collections. Excessive mucus is known inhibitor/interfering substance for molecular testing.
For Allina Health Clinic Ambulatory patients only:
Hologic Direct Load Tube
For all other patients:
For Allina Health Clinic Ambulatory patients:
The Hologic Direct Load Tube allows for Nasal/OP collection using the pink proprietary swab.
Nasal collection
OP Collection
For all other patients:
Use the mini-tip NP swab included in the UTM packaging.
New England Journal of Medicine video on NP swab collection: Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection Video
Hologic Direct Load Tube - Allina Health Clinic Ambulatory Patients only
Universal Transport Media
Oropharyngeal swab
Oropharyngeal (OP) swab:
Hologic Direct Load Tube - (Allina Health Clinic Ambulatory)
Universal Transport Media (UTM)
Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)
Not detected
Sensitivity
We don’t have a clear answer on sensitivity as there are too many confounding factors. Swabs aren’t the only factor – the viral load is highest for the first few days after symptom onset – swabs collected too early or later in the disease course will have lower sensitivity. This is a confounding factor for published studies that don’t take into account the point in the disease course when the swab was taken.
The most important factor in sampling is to get adequate upper respiratory epithelial cells (where the virus proliferates), and not just secretions.
Result reporting
Results are reported to applicable state health department based on patient’s address.
Excessive mucus is a known inhibitor/interfering substance for molecular tests. Review specimen tab for patient preparation.