Molecular Detection by RT-PCR
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Requisition Forms
Molecular Diagnostic of Respiratory Viruses
19-Requisition-form-Molecular-Diagnostic-ENG.pdf
2019-n-CoV After Hours Shipping Guide
2019-n-CoV Shipping Info 2021-08-19_EN.pdf
Reference Details
Molecular Detection by RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2.
- Respiratory tract infections
- COVID-19
Nasopharyngeal swab. Volume required: 1-2 mL.
Use sterile swabs and swab the nasal cavity. Place swabs in 2-3 mL viral transport medium or 0.9% saline.
Keep samples refrigerated until shipped for testing. Ship on dry ice. Samples stored in saline must be frozen immediately after collection and kept frozen during shipment.
Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.
Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
Completed requisition (current Molecular Diagnostic for Respiratory Viruses requisition form, or Molecular Detection of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) – Batch Submission requisition form). The sender's lab name, address, and telephone number must be included for samples to be processed. Also include identifier (sender lab number), patient date of birth, patient gender, type of specimen, date collected, and travel history.
Please provide advance notification of incoming specimens, including tracking # and shipment details (where the shipment is from, courier, # of samples, and # presumptive positive), by emailing the Influenza, Respiratory Viruses and Coronavirus (PHAC) account (nml.irv-ivr.lnm@phac-aspc.gc.ca) ) or calling 1-204-789-6049. Refer to 2019-n-CoV After Hours Shipping Guide when sample delivery is expected outside of business hours.
RNA is extracted from submitted respiratory specimens. Reverse Transcriptase (RT) PCR with virus-specific primers is performed on the extracted RNA to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 using real-time PCR detection.
72 hours.
N/A
National surveillance for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): For health professionals
Interim national case definition: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
COVID-19 signs, symptoms and severity of disease: A clinician guide
Protocol for Microbiological Investigations of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI)