Instructions for COVID-19 Virus Submission

Nasopharyngeal (NP) and mid-turbinate nasal swabs are the preferred samples for the detection of COVID-19 RNA by RT-PCR. The specimen should be collected within 3-7 Days of contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or with the onset of COVID-19 symptoms.
Specimens should be collected and stored at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Since heat decreases the stability of virus, specimens must be shipped on multiple cold-packs to maintain consistent temperature during transit. Please be aware that storing specimens at ≤ -70°C (≤ -94°F) is permissible but requires that sample(s) be shipped on dry ice to the testing laboratory. Avoid freeze-thawing of specimen(s) as this may also decreases detection of viral RNA in specimens containing low copies of virus.

Specimens MUST be received at Reditus Laboratories within 72 hours of collection.

Collection Instructions for Nasopharyngeal, Oropharyngeal, and Mid-Turbinate Nasal Swabs

1. Do not use expired media or swabs. Store Viral Transport Media (VTM), Universal Transport Media (UTM), Sterile Saline, or ESwab as per manufacturers recommendations. Use Dacron- or Nylon-tipped swabs for collecting samples. Flocked swabs are preferred. Examples of acceptable swabs include FLOQSwabs™ (Copan) and BD flocked swabs. Do not use cotton-tipped, wooden-shafted or calcium alginate swabs, as these contain PCR inhibitors. Samples collected using unapproved materials will be rejected from testing.
2. Obtain specimens early in the acute phase of illness.
3. Collecting Nasopharyngeal Swab: Aseptically remove sterile swab from package and collect the nasopharyngeal swabs by gently inserting swab through each nostril deeply into the nasopharynx (aiming towards the ear).
4. Collecting Mid-Turbinate Nasal Swab: Aseptically remove sterile swab from package. Tilt patient’s head back 70 degrees. While gently rotating the swab, insert swab less than one inch (about 2 cm) into nostril (until resistance is met at turbinates). Rotate the swab several times against nasal wall and repeat in other nostril using the same swab
5. Following collection, insert the swab into the transport medium and break the shaft of the swab at the scored line. Securely close the container.
6. Ensure that the patient’s name, date-of-birth, and time/date of collection are recorded on the specimen tube along with the name or initials of the individual collecting the sample.
7. Complete all the demographic information on a sample requisition form or through the approved electronic submission process
8. Refrigerate the specimen between 2-8°C (36-46°F) and ship or courier the specimen(s) within 72 hours on cold packs. If the specimen was stored at ≤ -70°C (≤ -94°F), the specimen must be shipped on dry ice. Avoid freeze-thawing the specimen.
9. The specimen(s) must be received at the laboratory no later than 72 hours from the time of collection.
   1. a. Avoid shipping specimens over weekends or holidays as they may not be received at the laboratory and cold-packs will not maintain the required 2-8°C (36-46°F) specimen temperature.
   2. b. Ensure that specimens shipped by commercial carrier are shipped with overnight delivery. If shipping on a Friday for Saturday delivery, you must include Saturday Delivery during shipment or the specimens will not be received until the following non-holiday business day. Failure to receive specimens within 24 hours of shipment will result in specimens being rejected from testing
10. For any questions pertaining to sample collection, storage, or shipping, please contact the Reditus Laboratories using the below contact information.

Instructions for Specimen Transport

• Messenger/Courier by ground transport. Place specimen(s) into a biohazard labeled bag and seal securely. Place the test requisition(s) on the outside of the biohazard labeled bag. Place the sealed biohazard bag and test requisition(s) inside the shipping container. Place cold packs, which have been frozen for at least 24 hours, in the leak-proof outer container. The shipping container must be rigid, such as a Styrofoam cooler, and labeled with the UN 3373 Biological Substance Category B marking. Close securely.
• Commercial carrier by ground/air transport. Place the specimen(s) inside a biohazard labeled bag and seal securely. Place the test requisition(s) on the outside of the biohazard labeled bag. Place the sealed bag and completed test requisitions(s) inside the outer shipping container. Place cold packs, which have been frozen for at least 24 hours, in the leak-proof outer container. Label the outer shipping container with Reditus Laboratories address listed below. Complete the return address section to include the name of the person shipping the package, business name and address, and a business phone number. The shipping container must include the UN3373 Biological Substance Category B marking.
• Ship specimens by overnight delivery to the attention of Molecular Diagnostics at Reditus laboratories. This can be accomplished by use of local courier, shipping corporations or U.S. Postal Service.
  • a. If specimens are shipped on a Friday for Saturday delivery, you must include/indicate Saturday delivery during shipment or the specimens will not be received until the following non-holiday business day. Failure to receive specimens within 24 hours of shipment will result in specimens being rejected from testing.
• The specimen(s) must be received at the laboratory no later than 72 hours from the time of collection and 24 hours from the time of shipment. Do not ship specimens over weekends or holidays as they will not be received, and cold-packs will not maintain the required 2-8°C (36-46°F) specimen temperature.

NOTE: Testing may be delayed, or specimens may be considered UNSATISFACTORY if the above instructions are not followed or the requisition form is not filled out completely. If there are any questions about specimen collection, handling, or shipping please contact the Reditus Laboratories to speak with laboratory personnel.

Ship specimens by a local courier or overnight by commercial carrier to the designated laboratories indicated below.

Send to: Reditus Laboratories

200 Enterprise Drive

Pekin, IL 61554

Phone: (469) 498-0222

Website: https://www.redituslabs.com/