Rapid SARS Coronavirus 2 PCR

BA0352

Synonym(s):
Specimen Container
Use red-capped flocked swab in Universal Transport Medium (UTM) for nasopharyngeal collection.
Specimen Requirement
Nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, ETTA, BAL
Specimen Storage/Transport
Please ensure the specimen is double-bagged (transparent inner bag, red outer bag) and contains a visible note for SARS Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing.
 
Send samples immediately to the laboratory at room temperature after collection, or store at 4°C if delay is anticipated. Nasopharyngeal swabs can be stored at room temperature ( 15 - 30 °C ) up to 8 hours or refrigerated ( 2 - 8 °C ) up to 7 days before testing.
Orderable as Urgent? No
Turn Around Time
1-3 hours (office hours)
Testing Laboratory Location
KKH
Laboratory Molecular Microbiology
Contact Number
6394 1382
Day and Time Performed

Mon - Sun: 0800 hrs to 1800 hrs

Orderable on CPOE? Yes
Downtime Form Orderable via CPOE / Clinical Laboratory
Additional Information

Please consult a member of the Clinical Infectious Disease Team or a Consultant Microbiologist or any other senior Medical Staff who can authorise the ordering of this test.

 
Please contact Dr. Loo Liat Hui (Senior Principal Medical Laboratory Scientist) or Mr. Soong Han Yang (Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist) at 6394 1382 or A/Prof. Matthias Maiwald (Senior Consultant Microbiologist) at 6394 8725 if additional information is required. Please contact the Clinical Infectious Diseases Team with any clinical or infection control questions.

Change History Notes

  • 23 May 2023 10:00 AM

    ​Update of additional information.

  • 03 Feb 2023 12:00 AM

    ​Updated Specimen Storage / Transport.

  • 19 May 2022 12:00 AM

    ​Updated Day and Time Performed effective 21/5/2022.

  • 03 Mar 2021 12:00 AM

    ​New test effective 08 March 2021.

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Last Updated - 27 Jun 2025