SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Detection by Qualitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) from Specimen
This test checks for the genetic material (RNA) of the virus that causes COVID-19 in a sample collected from you. It helps determine if you have an active infection.
["This test helps healthcare providers diagnose COVID-19 and guide treatment decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 94647-5
- Short code
- SARSr-CoV RNA Spec Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- SARSr-CoV 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, or a sore throat, or if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19. It can also be used to screen for infection in certain settings, such as before travel or in high-risk groups.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A nasal or throat swab is taken to collect a sample. This is a quick, painless procedure that involves inserting a small swab into your nose or throat to gather cells and fluids that may contain the virus.
What Are the Possible Results?
A positive result means the test detected the virus’s RNA, suggesting you are likely infected with COVID-19. A negative result means the virus was not detected in the sample at the time of testing, but this does not always mean you are not infected. Results may vary depending on when you were tested relative to symptom onset.
What Does This Test Tell You About My Health?
This test helps determine if you have an active COVID-19 infection. It does not measure your immune response or long-term health effects from COVID-19. If you test positive, follow your healthcare provider’s advice for isolation and treatment.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test is critical for identifying active COVID-19 infections, enabling prompt isolation, treatment, and public health measures to control virus spread. Results guide decisions about quarantine, testing frequency, and vaccination status. While highly specific, false negatives can occur if testing is done too early or if the sample is insufficient.
Short name
SARS-CoV-2 RNA Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can I get this test at home?
How soon after exposure can I get a positive result?
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