Information Updated: April 13, 2020
In response to the novel Coronavirus pandemic, Star Lab Corp has stepped up in bringing the testing of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in-house.
Star Lab 2019 Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR Test
Star Lab Corp has invested in utilizing the FDA-authorized TaqPath Covid-19 Combo Kit. This kit contains the assays and controls for real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test intended for the presumptive qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab, nasopharyngeal aspirate, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens from individuals meeting CDC COVID-19 Clinical Criteria (e.g., clinical signs and symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection) in conjunction with CDC COVID-19 epidemiological criteria (e.g., history of residence in or travel to a geographic region with active SARS-CoV-2 transmission at the time of travel, or other epidemiologic criteria for which SARS- CoV-2 testing may be indicated).
Specimen Collection for the STAR LAB CORP 2019 Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR Test
- Collect: nasopharyngeal swab. Also acceptable: nasopharyngeal swab AND oropharyngeal swab. Place both swabs in one collection tube.
- Specimen preparation:Place in viral transport media. Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag.
- Storage/transport temperature:Frozen
- Stability (from collection until initiation of testing):Ambient: unacceptable; refrigerated: 2 days; frozen: 1 month
Existing Clients:
Star Lab Corp is prepared to collect Covid-19 specimens for our existing homebound patients. We have trained our phlebotomy technicians on proper specimen collections and infection control based on the CDC Guidelines.
