Lab Test Details

Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), Real-Time RT-PCR
Updated	3/15/2021 (reviewed 5/23/2023)
Search Terms	Novel Coronavirus 2012; NCV
How to Order	On the Virology/Immunology Test Request Form (OHA0042), in the “Other” section, check the “Other” box and write in "MERS-CoV."
Availability	With State Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Program (ACDP) approval only
Performed	Daily on regular business days
Time to Reporting	Within 3 working days after receipt of specimen. The OSPHL prioritizes this testing whenever possible; results may be released sooner than the published turnaround time.
CPT Code	87798

Specimen Collection Details
Collection	Refer to Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Patients Under Investigation (PUIs) for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
Optimal Volume	Refer to Interim Guidelines above
Minimum Volume	Refer to Interim Guidelines above
Handling	Store specimens at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C) pending transport. Specimens that will not be tested within 72 hours of collection must be frozen at -70ºC and transported on dry ice.
Transport	Transport at refrigerated temperatures (2-8ºC) for receipt at the OSPHL within 3 calendar days. If specimen has been frozen, transport using dry ice to maintain frozen temperatures.
Rejection Criteria	Refer to Interim Guidelines above. Specimens are subject to the requirements of the OSPHL Specimen Submission Policy (pdf).
Comments	Original material submitted for testing is retained for 7 calendar days after receipt at the laboratory. Testing for MERS-CoV should not be performed unless the patient meets the clinical and epidemiological criteria for testing suspect specimens.
Method Details
Methodology	Real- time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) This assay has been cleared for use under a FDA Emergency Use Authorization.
Performance Specifications	Method Performance Specifications determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please contact the CDC for specifications.
Change Log
5/23/2023	Reviewed; no changes
3/15/2021	Edit Test Name

Lab Test Details

Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), Real-Time RT-PCR

Specimen Collection Details

Method Details

Change Log