SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Detection by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) on Respiratory Specimen
This test checks for the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, in a sample taken from your respiratory tract.
["This test helps determine if you currently have an active COVID-19 infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 94306-8
- Short code
- SARS-CoV-2 RNA Pnl Spec NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- SARS-CoV-2 RNA Pnl Spec 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 nasal or throat secretions to detect the virus’s genetic material. A laboratory then applies a specialized process called real-time PCR to identify and confirm the presence of the virus’s unique genetic sequences.
When You Might Need This Test
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, or if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19. It’s also used for screening in certain settings like healthcare facilities or before travel.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may be asked to rinse your mouth with saline solution before collecting the sample. A healthcare provider will use a long swab to gently collect a sample from your nose or throat. The process is quick and usually painless.
What to Expect After the Test
After the sample is collected, it is sent to a lab for analysis. Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the lab’s processing time.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing active COVID-19 infections. Positive results indicate the presence of the virus and may guide treatment decisions, such as isolation measures or antiviral therapy. Negative results suggest the virus is not currently detectable in your sample, but they do not definitively rule out infection if symptoms persist or exposure was recent.
Short name
COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my test results?
Can I have the test done at home?
What if my test comes back positive?
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