U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

GTR Home > > qGenomics qCovid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RT-PCR test

Overview

Test name

Help

qGenomics qCovid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RT-PCR test

Purpose of the test

Help

This is a clinical microbial test intended for Help: Diagnosis

Condition

Help

Loading data ......

Click Indication tab for more information.

How to order

Help

Not provided

Specimen source

Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab
Oropharyngeal swab
Tracheal aspirates
Sputum

Methodology

Help
Molecular Genetics
RRNA analysis
RT-qPCR

Summary of what is tested

Loading data ......

Click Methodology tab for more information.

Clinical utility

Help

Not provided

Clinical validity

Help

Not provided

Comments about the test interpretation (e.g. clinical implication of test results)

The qGenomics qCOVID-19 RT-PCR Test is based on the molecular method of real-time RT-PCR. It is intended for the qualitative detection of the presence of RNA of the virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV) responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The detection is carried out in biological samples obtained from the respiratory tract of individuals suspected of having COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 RNA is generally detectable in the respiratory tract during the acute phase of infection. A positive result indicates the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, however correlation is necessary with the patient's history and other diagnostic information to determine the patient's infection status. A positive result does not rule out a bacterial infection or co-infection with other viruses. The pathogen detected may not be the definitive cause of the disease. A negative result does not exclude the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the only evidence for diagnosis, treatment, or other decisions regarding patient management. By virtue of the ministerial provision published in the BOE of April 14, 2020, prescription of diagnostic tests to detect COVID-19 must be prescribed by a physician in accordance with the guidelines, instructions, and criteria agreed for this purpose by the competent health authority [Spain Order SND / 344/2020, of April 13, which establishes exceptional measures to strengthen the National Health System and contain the health crisis caused by COVID-19. Official State Gazette, April 14, 2020, no. 104, pp. 28956 to 28958]. Likewise, SARS-CoV-2 is a microorganism with a mandatory microbiological declaration in the framework of the Microbiological Notification System of Catalonia (Decree 203/2015). Said notification is made to the Subdirectorate of Surveillance and Response to Public Health Emergencies of the Department of Health of the Generalitat de Catalunya Methodology.

Clinical resources

Practice guidelines

  • NICE, 2024
    UK NICE Guideline NG191, COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing COVID-19, 2024

Consumer resources

IMPORTANT NOTE: NIH does not independently verify information submitted to the GTR; it relies on submitters to provide information that is accurate and not misleading. NIH makes no endorsements of tests or laboratories listed in the GTR. GTR is not a substitute for medical advice. Patients and consumers with specific questions about a genetic test should contact a health care provider or a genetics professional.