Sonora Quest COVID-19 Test Information

COVID-19 is the name for the respiratory syndrome caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Sonora Quest test code 907080 – SARS-CoV-2 RNA, QL, RT PCR (COVID-19) – Swabs is a qualitative molecular assay, which amplifies the RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human specimens such as nasopharyngeal or throat swabs (upper respiratory). Alternative specimens, including bronchial lavage/wash, or sputum/tracheal aspirate are also acceptable  using test code 907078 – SARS-CoV-2 RNA, QL REAL-TIME RT-PCR (COVID-19) – Non-Swabs.

Currently there is no clinical guidance for the use of serological testing for COVID-19. One of the main limitations with serology-based testing is a person’s slow development of IgM/IgG antibodies. Typically, antibodies do not develop until 7-10 days after symptom onset. Current testing using molecular/PCR assays can detect a positive patient almost immediately. Serology would not serve as a timely diagnostic tool. Another concern with this methodology is the potential cross-reactivity with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains; such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E, which cause the common cold. This cross-reactivity has the potential of causing false positive results. There is currently no data concerning whether these blood based assays can assess immunity after infection.

Physicians may order testing on swabs (Nasopharyngeal or Oropharyngeal) using test code 907080 through normal ordering processes. For testing on sputum or aspirates/washes, physicians may order test code 907078. Any order for COVID-19 must be submitted on a separate requisition and packaged separate from other tests.

Specimens are to be collected by hospitals, physician offices, and clinics. Sonora Quest Laboratories Patient Service Centers and Sonora Quest’s in-office phlebotomists do not collect respiratory specimens, including those from patients suspected of having COVID-19.

Currently, nasopharyngeal (NP) and/or oropharyngeal (OP) swab testing is being performed using test code 907080. Lower respiratory specimen tests, including bronchial lavage/wash, or sputum/tracheal aspirate samples can also be submitted using test code 907078 and will be frozen upon receipt. One test for COVID-19 will be performed per requisition.

No. Each specimen vial must be transported in its own sealed bag.

Preferred samples for test 907080 are upper respiratory specimens: refrigerated nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab in ViroPak Viral Transport Media. Other acceptable Viral Transport Media accepted include UTM, UVT, liquid Amies (eSwab), or equivalent. Sonora Quest provides the following supplies which may be ordered through your normal process:

• Nasopharyngeal (Small Swab) – Supply #20012
• Throat (Large Swab) – Supply #20011
• eSwab – Blue-Cap Mini-Tip Culture Swab (Nasopharyngeal) – Supply #25785
• eSwab – White-Cap Routine Culture Swab (Throat) – Supply #25784

Lower respiratory specimens can be submitted for test 907078: 0.85 mL refrigerated bronchial lavage/wash, nasopharyngeal aspirate/wash, sputum, or tracheal aspirate in a plastic, sterile, leak-proof container.

Supplies can be ordered through our SonoraQuest.com Provider Portal, Quanum, or by faxing a Client Supply Request Form to 602.685.5402 in Phoenix (central and northern AZ), or 520.296.5607 in Tucson (southern AZ).

All labs are dealing with a global supply shortage of the sample collection kits needed for the testing. Sonora Quest is actively and continuously pursuing all options for supplies.

Specimens have a 48-hour ambient and refrigerated stability. Samples can also be frozen. If leaving specimens in a lock box, placing a frozen ice pack inside will ensure refrigerated specimens stay cool and viable for testing.

Samples should be transported referigerated (preferred) but can be submitted frozen. If leaving specimens in a lock box, placing a frozen ice pack inside will ensure refrigerated specimens stay cool and viable for testing. Specimens should be transported to Sonora Quest Laboratories according to standard operating procedures. SARS-CoV-2 RNA, Qualitative Real-Time RT-PCR test is not a STAT test and STAT pick-up cannot be ordered.

As of March 20, 2020, Sonora Quest performs this testing in-house at our main laboratory in Tempe for all swab samples using test code 907080.

Testing is also available on lower respiratory samples (0.85 mL refrigerated bronchial lavage/wash, nasopharyngeal aspirate/wash, sputum, or tracheal aspirate in a plastic, sterile, leak-proof container) using test code 907078 which is sent to Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease laboratory in California.

2-4 days from the time of specimen pickup, but this may vary depending on demand.

Providers will receive a phone call if the test result is positive or inconclusive. Patients can access their results through the SonoraQuest.com Patient Results Portal.

The number of samples changes each day. Please contact our media rep listed on this page for up-to-date numbers.

Yes – we are reporting all results to the Arizona Department of Health Services, so our results are represented in the numbers they are distributing. The Arizona Department of Health Services is tracking statewide statistics and they can be contacted to provide that information as they are able to share. Additionally, we are sharing the total number of COVID-19 tests that we have performed, along with the average result turnaround time, and positivity rate with all major Arizona media outlets on a daily basis.

Yes – we are reporting all results to the Arizona Department of Health Services, so our results are represented in the numbers they are distributing. The Arizona Department of Health Services is tracking statewide statistics and they can be contacted to provide that information as they are able to share.