SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Detection by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) on Respiratory Specimen
This test checks for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, in your respiratory secretions. It helps determine if you have an active infection.
["This test helps identify whether you currently have COVID-19 by detecting the virus’s genetic material in your sample."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 94646-7
- Short code
- SARS-CoV-2 RdRp Ct Resp Qn NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- SARS-CoV-2 RdRp Ct Resp Qn NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
How the Test Works
The test uses a small sample of your respiratory secretions (such as nasal or throat swab) to detect genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This process involves reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which amplifies and identifies the virus’s unique genetic sequence.
Sample Collection
A healthcare provider will collect a sample from your nose or throat using a swab. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing. The procedure is quick and generally painless.
When You Might Need This Test
You may need this test if you have symptoms of COVID-19 (such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath), have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or are required for pre-screening before travel, work, or other activities.
What to Expect After Testing
Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the lab’s processing time. You will receive a call or email with your results from the lab or healthcare provider who ordered the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results indicate an active infection with SARS-CoV-2 and may require isolation, treatment, and monitoring. Negative results suggest no detectable virus at the time of testing, but reinfection or false negatives can occur. This test is critical for guiding public health measures, managing outbreaks, and ensuring safety in communities.
Short name
COVID-19 RT-PCR Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
What does a negative result mean?
Can I get this test at home?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy