| (Microbiology) |
| Investigations | Coronaviruses Coronaviruses are a large family of respiratory viruses. These include SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) seasonal coronaviruses such as OC43, 229E, NL63 and HKU1 which cause the common cold & high consequence coronaviruses such as SARS; (no reported cases since 2004) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS, circulation ongoing in the Middle East) that are infrequent but known to cause severe respiratory infections Suspected cases of high consequence coronaviruses must be discussed with the Infectious Diseases consultant on-call. If clinically stable and not currently in hospital, suspected cases should discouraged from attending hospital until a plan has been made for assessment, sampling and isolation. Molecular Tests Coronavirus PCR | |
| Inform lab before sending | No for SARS_CoV-2 (COVID-19) Yes for high consequence coronaviruses. Contact the laboratory on 0151 706 4410. | |
| Specimen type |
Molecular Swabs: Take a nose and then a throat swab and put both in the single green-topped Virocult tube before returning it to the Virology laboratory. REMEL swab (RED CAPPED) collection kits are a suitable alternative swab collection kit. Nasopharyngeal aspirate: Collected in a sterile leak-proof container. Bronchoalveolar lavage: Collected in a sterile leak-proof container. | |
| Ideal time to take specimen | ||
| Labelling requirements | click here | |
| How to take the specimen | Nose swab - tilt the patient’s head back and gently insert the swab along the medial part of the nasal septum, as far as possible. Rotate the swab several times and then remove and put it into the Virocult tube – you will need to break the shaft of the swab to fit inside the tube. Throat swab – vigorously swab only the posterior pharyngeal wall and put it into the Virocult tube. Saliva collection - Tilt head forward to allow the saliva to pool in the front of mouth, spit into the tube without coughing. Suspected high consequence coronavirus patients must be discussed with the ID consultant on call prior to sampling.ID will ensure appropriate personal protective equipment is worn when collecting specimens and hand-delivered to the laboratory in a hard-shell container alongside the appropriate UKHSA request form. | |
| Transport to the laboratory | If transport is delayed then store at +4°C | |
| Test Times | SARS-CoV-2 daily, high consequence coronaviruses by arrangement with the consultant virologist, other seasonal coronaviruses are not routinely tested for. | |
| Turnround | 24 hours | |
| Additional information | Further information can be found on the UKHSA website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-information-and-advice-for-health-and-care-professionals https://www.gov.uk/guidance/high-consequence-infectious-diseases-hcid | |
| Additional Examination Requests | click here |