Sample collection for COVID-19 Diagnosis Best samples for COVID-19 testing For acute infection • Nuclein acid test • Antigen detection test For prior infection • Antibody test Best clinical samples site • Anterior nares swab • Oropharyngeal swab • Nasopharyngeal swab • Nasal Mid-Turbinate (NMT) swab CDC Sample Collection and Testing Guidelines for COVID-19 • Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab is priority for initial COVID-19 testing. Oropharyngeal (OP) swab can also be collected but it is not a priority. If collected, it should e combined in the same tube of NP. Put the swabs directly and immediately into sterile tubes that contain 2-3 ml of viral transport media. Do not use calcium alginate swabs and swabs with wooden shafts as they contain substances which inhibit PCR testing by inactivating some viruses. • Sputum collection is recommended in patients with productive cough. Instruct the patient to rinse their mouth with water and expectorate deep cough sputum into a leak-proof, sterile and screw-cap sputum collection cup or dry and sterile container. • Lower respiratory tract aspirate or bronchoalveolar lavage sample is collected in patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. Collect 2-3 ml in a leak-proof, sterile and screw-cap sputum collection cup or dry and sterile container. • It is necessary to maintain proper infection control during specimen collection. CDC guidelines for reporting, testing, and specimen collection for COVID-19 For reporting a PUI (Person under investigation) for COVID-19, immediately contact - Infection Control and Prevention - State health department to prepare a PUI and Case Report Form - CDC’s Emergency Operations Center For testing PUI (Person under investigation) for COVID-19 - Do not delay testing - Perform at state public health laboratory and CDC For specimen collection for COVID-19 - Take upper respiratory specimen (nasopharyngeal [preferred] or oropharyngeal) or lower respiratory tract specimen i.e. sputum in patients with productive cough, or bronchoalveolar lavage in patients on mechanical ventilation