SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Detection by Qualitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) on Specimen
This test checks for the presence of genetic material from the virus that causes COVID-19 in a sample collected from your respiratory tract.
["Determines if you may have an active COVID-19 infection based on viral genetic material in your sample."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33964-8
- Short code
- SARS-CoV Urb RNA Spec Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- SARS-CoV Urb RNA Spec Ql 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 the virus’s genetic material. A laboratory processes the sample to amplify and identify specific viral sequences through RT-PCR, a highly sensitive molecular technique.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a nasal or throat swab collected during a visit to your healthcare provider’s office, urgent care, or testing site. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What to Expect After the Test
Results are typically available within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the lab’s processing time. You’ll receive your results directly from your healthcare provider or testing facility.
When This Test Is Used
This test is commonly used for diagnosing active COVID-19 infection, especially in individuals with symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or those exposed to someone with COVID-19. It may also be used for screening in high-risk settings or before certain activities (e.g., travel, gatherings).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result indicates the presence of the virus’s genetic material, suggesting an active infection. This can guide treatment decisions, such as isolating at home, seeking medical care, or administering antiviral medications. A negative result means the test did not detect the virus at the time of testing, but it does not definitively rule out infection if symptoms persist or if retesting is recommended. Timing of testing and sample quality can affect results.
Short name
SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can a negative result mean I don’t have COVID-19?
How soon after exposure should I get tested?
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