Lab Customer Service
If your facility has not previously submitted COVID-19 testing to Stanford, please complete the Lab Intake Form BEFORE sending samples.
Note: This guidance covers testing performed at the Stanford Virology Lab for SARS CoV-2 and is only intended for FACILITIES OUTSIDE OF STANFORD (including UHA).
Check CDC guidelines for testing: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/guidelines-clinical specimens.html
For more information, view Frequently Asked Questions.
SPECIMEN COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS FOR SARSCOV2 TESTING
Upper Respiratory Swab Specimens
Preferred Source: Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab
Acceptable Source: Oropharyngeal swab if ordered with NP swab (Place both swabs in 1 tube)
Upper Respiratory Collection Guidelines
- Use flocked swab (preferred) for collection.
- Other swabs acceptable* Exceptions: Do not use calcium alginate swabs or swabs with wooden shafts as they may contain substances that inactivate some viruses and inhibit PCR testing.
- Place swab immediately into tube containing 2-3 ml of viral (preferred) or universal transport medium; saline can be used if necessary*
Lower Respiratory Tract Specimens
Acceptable Source: 1 mL Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) fluid. Submit in sterile container.
HANDLING AND TRANSPORT INSTRUCTIONS
Specimen Handling
- Specimen is stable for 72 hours
- Specimen must be kept at 2-8°C (refrigerated/cool) or frozen
- Specimen must be labeled with two patient identifiers
- Complete requisition: Form – SARSCOV2
Deliver Specimens to:
Stanford Health Care Clinical Laboratories
3375 Hillview Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Hours: 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
Sample must be hand delivered to Front Desk Security
RESULTS & REPORTING
- Positive results will be called to Physician Phone Number on requisition. Only positive results will be called.
- Negative and positive result reports will be sent to Report Fax Number on requisition.
- Report results to patient according to your organization's policy.
- Ordering physician is responsible for reporting positive results to your facility’s Infection Control who is responsible for reporting to the appropriate public health officials.
Version 9 - 03/26/2020