Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (rtPCR)

One or more of the following: nasal swab, oropharyngeal swab, rectal swab.

If more than one site is swabbed, place swabs in individual vials and label with the collection site. Use polyester or rayon tipped, plastic shafted swabs. Calcium alginate or cotton swabs are not suitable for this test. Place swabs in 1-2mL of viral transport media; if viral transport media is not available then 0.5 mL of PBS or sterile saline in a sterile test tube (red top with no additives) is acceptable. Do not place swabs in bacterial transport media; do not send dry swabs. Learn more about sending samples for molecular diagnostics testing in our online Education Library.

Glass or plastic test tube with no additives

Label all samples. Place samples in an insulated box with cold packs and ship for overnight delivery. Samples should be kept refrigerated and reach the lab within 72 hours of collection. 

Veterinarians are encouraged to rule out other, more common, causes of illness in animals in addition to considering SARS-CoV-2 testing.Samples from different anatomical locations from the same animal will be tested and charged separately unless instructed to pool on the submission form.