Covid-19 Detection

The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) test performed by Absolute Diagnostics utilizes polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology for the qualitative and quantitative identification of nucleic acid from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Nasopharyngeal swabs are the preferred method for obtaining specimens, additional methods available upon request.

Absolute Diagnostics is committed to providing the most comprehensive list of laboratory testing available. This commitment has pushed us to validate and make available a PCR based test for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We are committed to providing rapid results within 8-12 hours.

Positive results are treated as critical results and reported immediately to the health care provider or designated point of contact. All test results, positive, negative, or indeterminate, will be available through our online portal. Absolute Diagnostics will report positive COVID-19 results to the appropriate public health agency in accordance with applicable requirements; yet health care providers may also be required to report positive patients as well.

Absolute Diagnostics testing for COVID-19 is done in duplicates and detects the virus directly within the established limits of detection for which it was validated. A positive result is considered definitive evidence of infection. However, a negative result does not definitively rule out infection. As with any test, the accuracy relies on many factors:

• The test may not detect virus in an infected patient if the virus is not being actively shed at the time or site of sample collection;
• The amount of time that an individual was exposed prior to the collection of the specimen can also influence whether the test will detect the virus;
• Individual response to the virus can differ;
• Whether the specimen we receive was collected properly, sent promptly, and packaged correctly.

Test results are a critical part of any diagnosis, but must be used by the clinician along with other information to form a diagnosis.

Absolute Diagnostics 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing is available for ordering by physicians and other authorized health care providers anywhere in the U.S. The test detects the presence of the underlying virus, SARS-CoV-2, that causes COVID-19 and is for use with patients who meet current guidance for evaluation of infection with COVID-19.

The following are acceptable sample types for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), all preferably shipped overnight:
• Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab in viral transport medium
• Oropharyngeal (OP) collection in viral transport medium.

Samples/specimens should be shipped same day of collection (preferred); refrigerated specimens acceptable (if received for testing within 72 hours of collection); room temperature swabs are acceptable (if received within 24 hours of collection).

Specimens should be collected with appropriate infection control precautions. Current guidance for COVID-19 infection control precautions are available at the CDC’s website (see links provided in the “Community Resources” section).