The University of Iowa

State Hygienic Laboratory

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Testing Specialties
  3. Diagnostic and Clinical Testing

Test Detail


2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Diagnostic Test

Back to Test Directory
Test Description
  • Contact: Molecular Biology and Virology (319) 335-4376
  • Test Request Form: COVID-19/Flu Electronic Test Request Form. This electronic form is part of the OpenELIS Web Portal.
  • SHL OpenELIS Code: 944, 947
Nucleic acid amplification by Real-Time PCR or Hologic Aptima SARS-CoV-2 assay (TMA) to detect 2019 Novel Coronavirus RNA
Panel Components
2019 Novel Coronavirus RNA. COVID-19 Diagnostic PCR tests may only be ordered by a healthcare provider. The State Hygienic Laboratory will perform COVID-19 testing in accordance with one of the following criteria listed at https://covidtesting.shl.uiowa.edu . Please visit this website for additional information regarding COVID-19 testing.
Performed Avg. Turnaround Time Method
Coralville, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F
 1 - 4 business days Nucleic Acid Amplification by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Hologic Aptima SARS-CoV-2 assay by Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA)
Fee CPT Code(s)
No charge. 87635
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Preferred Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab. Other acceptable specimen types: Nasal swab, Throat swab, Sputum, Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL), Tracheal aspirate, Nasal wash/aspirate, Nasopharyngeal (NP) aspirate, Nasopharyngeal (NP) washings, Other, Saliva specimen.
Collection Instructions: All testing for SARS-CoV-2 should be conducted in consultation with a healthcare provider. Specimens should be collected as soon as possible once a decision has been made to pursue COVID-19 testing, regardless of the time of symptom onset. PCR is a very sensitive test, and precautions should be taken to not cross-contaminate specimens (i.e., wear gloves and change before and after collecting specimen. Avoid contact with environmental surfaces). DO NOT FREEZE SPECIMEN.

Container: The screw-top transport tube for swab specimens should contain a minimum of 2 mL of either (in order of preference): Viral transport medium, Sterile saline or phosphate buffered saline (PBS), or Liquid Amies transport medium. Order SHL Virus Isolation and Detection Kit at https://www.shl.uiowa.edu/kitsquotesforms/clinicalkit.xml
    Complete Collection Instructions: Collection instructions for upper and lower respiratory tract specimens are available on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/guidelines-clinical-specimens.html
      Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab: A nasopharyngeal (NP) swab placed into viral transport medium (VTM) is the preferred choice for swab-based SARS-CoV-2 testing. To date, the scientific literature states that nasopharyngeal specimens have the highest yield of recovery of an infected patient.
        Upper respiratory: Oropharyngeal (OP) specimen, Anterior nares specimen (using a round foam swab), Nasopharyngeal wash (collect 2 - 3 mL into a sterile, leak-proof, screw cap container).
          Lower respiratory: Collect 2 - 3 mL into a sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap container. Sputum specimens are acceptable for patients with a productive cough (Do not induce sputum collection), Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), Bronchial wash, Endotracheal aspirate.
            Acceptable Swabs: Synthetic tips (e.g. polyester or dacron) with a flexible plastic shaft, Eswab, Flocked swabs.
              Shipping:
              Wrap specimen container in absorbent material and place inside a biohazard bag. Transport specimen with cold pack. Ship to the Coralville location. See Specimen Packaging Guidance at https://covidtesting.shl.uiowa.edu .
              Temperature and Stability: Refrigerate (2-8°C); stable for 72 hours.
              Rejection Criteria: Specimens will be rejected if received under these conditions:

              Frozen samples; Sample obtained on cotton-tipped, wooden- or aluminum-shafted or calcium alginate swabs; Swabs submitted in bacterial transport media (usually clear fluid); Broken, leaking, or unlabeled sample containers; Samples containing swabs other than those provided in the collection kit.
              Expected Results:
              2019 Novel Coronavirus, Real-Time PCR: Not Detected/Inconclusive/Invalid/Positive 2019-nCoV. 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Hologic Aptima SARS-CoV-2 assay (TMA): Detected/Not Detected/Invalid.
              Comments
              COVID-19 Diagnostic PCR tests may only be ordered by a healthcare provider. The State Hygienic Laboratory will perform COVID-19 testing in accordance with one of the following criteria listed at https://covidtesting.shl.uiowa.edu . Please visit this website for additional information regarding COVID-19 testing.
              Alternate Names
              2019 Novel Coronavirus/SARS-CoV-2/2019-nCoV Diagnostic PCR testing
              The University of Iowa

              State Hygienic Laboratory

              General inquires
              SHL Client Services
              319-335-4500 or 1-800-421-IOWA (4692)
              ask-shl@uiowa.edu

              Footer primary

              • HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practice
              • Copyright 2025 The University of Iowa
              • Privacy Notice
              • UI Nondiscrimination Statement
              • Accessibility