SARS Coronavirus 2 PCR / COVID-19 PCR / 2019 Novel Coronavirus PCR

Specimen Container	Use red-capped flocked swab in Universal Transport Medium (UTM) for nasopharyngeal collection.
Specimen Requirement	Nasopharyngeal 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 2019 Novel Coronavirus testing. Send samples immediately to the laboratory at room temperature after collection, or store at 4°C if delay is anticipated.
Orderable as Urgent?	No
Turn Around Time	4 - 6 hrs (office hours) Morning cut-off time: 9 am Afternoon cut-off time: 12.30 pm Late afternoon cut-off time: 4 pm
Testing Laboratory Location	KKH
Laboratory	Molecular Micro
Contact Number	6394 1382
Day and Time Performed	Mon - Sun: 0800 hrs to 1800 hrs
Orderable on CPOE?	Yes
Downtime Form	Bacteriology, Mycology,Parasitology Tests
Additional Information	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.
06 Feb 2023 12:00 AM

Updated Specimen Storage / Transport, Additional Information.
19 May 2022 12:00 AM

Updated Day and Time Performed effective 21/5/2022.
15 Jun 2021 12:00 AM

Updated Test name and Turn Around Time information.

Last Updated - 27 Jun 2025