Proper collection of specimens is the most important step in the laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19. A specimen that is not collected correctly may lead to false-negative test results. The following specimen collection guidelines follow standard recommended procedures. 

Click here for the latest Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines

For more information, including illustrations and step-by-step guidance, see the 
CDC Influenza Specimen Collection instructions. 

Note that these instructions are applicable for respiratory viruses in general, and not specific to only influenza virus.

COVID Testing Fact Sheets:
Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers
Fact Sheet for Patients

Testing for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) COVID-19

by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

COVID-19 Collection Training

Nasopharyngeal Collections

Nasal Mid-Turbinate Collections

View the COVID-19 PCR Testing Program

Interested in setting up a COVID-19 Testing Program?

Testing for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) COVID-19

by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

COVID-19 Collection Training

Nasopharyngeal Collections

Nasal Mid-Turbinate Collections

View the COVID-19 PCR Testing Program

Interested in setting up a COVID-19 Testing Program?

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