Guidance

COVID-19: which samples should be taken (text version of poster)

Updated 29 March 2021

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-guidance-for-clinical-diagnostic-laboratories/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-sampling-requirements

1. Scope

This guidance explains and supplements the information presented visually in the poster COVID-19: which samples should be taken.

2. Specimens

Upper respiratory tract sample options:

  • a single swab used for throat then nose in one collection tube containing transport medium OR
  • a nose and a throat swab combined into one collection tube containing transport medium OR
  • nasopharyngeal aspirate in a universal transport pot

Lower respiratory tract sample in universal container (sputum) if obtainable

If the patient is admitted, take a sample for acute serology:

  • 5mL in either serum tube or plain (no additive) tube. For children <12 years, 1mL is acceptable

3. Packaging

For packaging guidance, see poster Suspected COVID-19 cases: sampling and packaging poster.

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