Table 3 Laboratory testing for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in suspected human cases: interim guidance
Test | Type of sample | Timing |
|---|---|---|
Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) | Lower respiratory tract | Collect on presentation. Possibly repeated sampling to monitor clearance. Further research needed to determine effectiveness and reliability of repeated sampling. |
Sputum | ||
Aspirate | ||
Lavage | ||
Upper respiratory tract | ||
Nasopharyngeal and Oropharyngeal swabs Nasopharyngeal wash/nasopharyngeal aspirate. | ||
Serology | Serum for serological testing once validated and available. | Paired samples are necessary for confirmation with the initial sample collected in the first week of illness and the second ideally collected 2–4 weeks later (optimal timing for convalescent sample needs to be established). |