Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) FAQs
Information as of March 16, 2020
What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?
COVID-19 is the name for the respiratory syndrome caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
What is the test name and test code?
The test name in the Test Directory is SARS-CoV-2 RNA, Qualitative Real-Time RT-PCR and the test code is 39433.
What is the Quest Diagnostics test for COVID-19?
The SARS-CoV-19 test is a qualitative molecular assay, which amplifies the RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human specimens such as nasopharyngeal or throat swabs (upper respiratory). Alternative specimens, including bronchial lavage/wash, or sputum/tracheal aspirate are also acceptable. The technique is a real-time reverse transcription PCR assay.
How can I order the Quest Diagnostics test for COVID-19?
Physicians may order the test using test code 39433. The test for COVID-19 must be ordered on a separate requisition from other tests.
What facilities can collect specimens?
Specimens are to be collected by hospitals, physician offices, and clinics. Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers and Quest’s in-office phlebotomists do not collect respiratory specimens, including those from patients suspected of having COVID-19.
What type of specimen is collected?
Currently, nasopharyngeal (NP) and/or oropharyngeal (OP) swab testing is being performed. Lower respiratory specimen tests, including bronchial lavage/wash, or sputum/tracheal aspirate samples can also be ordered but will be frozen upon receipt, with testing commencing on 3/16/2020. One test for COVID-19 will be performed per requisition.
Can I put multiple specimen vials in one bag?
No. Each specimen vial must be transported in its own sealed bag.
What type of swab should be utilized to collect the upper respiratory sample?
Upper respiratory samples should be collected using 1 nasopharyngeal swab and/or oropharyngeal swab in M4, VCM or UTM media. Nasopharyngeal and/or oropharyngeal swabs can now be collected and transported in their own vial, or combined in a single vial for testing. Each vial collected should be ordered on a separate requisition and transported in its own sealed bag. Only sterile Dacron® or Rayon swabs should be used. Do not use calcium alginate as they may contain substances that inhibit PCR testing. Wooden shaft swabs, Eswabs, and swabs transported in Amies liquid or gel transport must not be used.
How do I order appropriate supplies for COVID-19 testing?
Please follow your standard process for ordering Quest supplies.
What is the specimen stability?
Specimens have a 72-hour stability refrigerated.
Are there any special storage or transport procedures for COVID-19 specimens?
Samples should be shipped frozen (preferred). However, samples from client sites without access to dry ice should be refrigerated (2° C-8° C) and are stable at this temperature for 72 hours. Cold packs/pouches must be used if placing specimens in a lockbox for courier pick-up. Specimens should be transported to your local Quest Diagnostics accessioning laboratory according to standard operating procedures. SARS-CoV-2 RNA, Qualitative Real-Time RT-PCR test is not a STAT test and STAT pick-up cannot be ordered.
What is expected turnaround time?
Test results are typically available 3-4 days from the time of specimen pick-up, and may be impacted by high demand.
How do I get my results?
Providers will receive a phone call if the test result is positive or inconclusive. Patients will be notified through MyQuest if they signed up for it.
How much does the test cost?
Your insurance will be billed a total of $240.00 for the full nasonasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab. If only a single swab is collected and tested, the total will be $120.00. Cash pay patients will be charged the same amount for either double or single swabs, as applicable.