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SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Detection (Serum/Plasma)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test detects genetic material from the virus responsible for COVID-19 in your blood. It helps confirm if you have an active infection.

Quick summary

["This test checks for the virus’s genetic material in your blood to see if you’re currently infected with COVID-19."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
33972-1
Short code
SARS-CoV Urb Ab Ser Ql
Synonyms
SARS-CoV Urb Ab Ser Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of COVID-19 (such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath) or if you’ve been exposed to someone with the virus. It’s also used to monitor people recovering from COVID-19 or those at higher risk for severe illness.

How Is the Sample Collected?

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort afterward.

How Does the Test Work?

The test looks for the virus’s genetic material (RNA) in your blood using a specialized laboratory method. This helps confirm whether you have an active infection.

What Does a Positive Result Mean?

A positive result means your blood contains the virus’s genetic material, suggesting you have an active COVID-19 infection. This requires medical attention and may guide treatment decisions.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A positive result indicates an active infection, which can guide treatment, isolation recommendations, and monitoring for severe illness. A negative result means the virus’s genetic material was not detected in this sample, but you may still be infected if symptoms persist or you were exposed recently. Follow-up testing may be needed.

Short name

SARS-CoV-2 RNA Test (Serum/Plasma)

Frequently asked questions

What if I Have No Symptoms but Was Exposed to COVID-19?
If you were exposed but have no symptoms, this test can help determine if you’re infected. However, results may take time to return, and false negatives can occur early in infection. Your provider may recommend retesting after a few days if needed.
Will This Test Show If I Had COVID-19 in the Past?
No, this test only detects active infection by looking for the virus’s genetic material. To check for past infection, you’d need antibody tests, which detect your immune system’s response to the virus.
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
Results typically take 24 to 48 hours, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your provider will contact you once the results are available.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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