COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance
Submit all specimens to 50 Orms St, Providence RI 02904. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory 401-222-5538
Coronavirus
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)
CDC INFLUENZA SARS-COV-2 (Flu SC2) MULTIPLEX
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Influenza SARS-CoV-2 (Flu SC2) Multiplex Assay is a real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test that detects and differentiates RNA from SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, and influenza B virus in upper and lower respiratory patients in the acute phase of infection. The Flu SC2 Multiplex Assay is only for use under FDA Emergency Use Authorization and assay performance characteristics were verified by the RISHL.
Results should be used in conjunction with the patient's clinical symptoms, medical history, and other clinical/laboratory findings to determine an overall clinical diagnosis. Negative results do not preclude infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Provider Fact Sheet: https://www.fda.gov/media/139742/download
Patient Fact Sheet: https://www.fda.gov/media/139745/download
HOLOGIC APTIMA SARS-COV-2
The Hologic Aptima SARS-CoV-2 Assay is a transcription mediated nucleic acid amplification test intended for the qualitative molecular detection of RNA from SARS-CoV-2 in upper respiratory specimens from individuals suspected of COVID-19.
Results should be used in conjunction with the patient's clinical symptoms, medical history, and other clinical/laboratory findings to determine an overall clinical diagnosis. Negative results do not preclude infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Provider Fact Sheet: https://www.fda.gov/media/138095/download
Patient Fact Sheet:https://www.fda.gov/media/138098/download
CEPHEID XPERT SARS-COV-2/FLU/RSV Plus MULTIPLEX ASSAY
The Cepheid Xpert SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV Plus Multiplex Assay is a real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test that detects and differentiates RNA from SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and RSV in upper or lower respiratory specimens from patients in the acute phase of infection.
Results should be used in conjunction with the patient's clinical symptoms, medical history, and other clinical/laboratory findings to determine and overall clinical diagnosis.
Provider Fact Sheet: https://www.fda.gov/media/152162/download
Patient Fact Sheet:https://www.fda.gov/media/152166/download
For RISHL COVID-19 specimen collection instructions, click here.
Store specimens at 2° to 8° C up to 3 days.
If unable to transport within 3 days specimens may be frozen at -20° C.
For questions regarding collection or transport of specimens contact the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at (401) 222-5538.
CLIA regulations require specimens be labeled with at least two patient identifiers. Examples of identifiers are first and last name, date of birth, chart/medical record number. The specimen container must be labeled to match the test requisition or the electronic order.
Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form /forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf
COVID-19 PCR
Refrigerated: Transport and deliver to the laboratory within 72 hours of collection at 2-8°C in a cooler able to maintain specimen temperature. A plug-in electric cooler is recommended, however, a cooler packed with excess frozen gel packs is acceptable as long as the transport temperature is maintained at 2-8°C.
Frozen: If specimen previously frozen, it must be transported on frozen gel packs in insulated shipper.
Specimens must be transported in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.
Negative / Not Detected
Providers must report patient information on COVID-19 immediately using the RIDOH reportable disease form.
3 business days