Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Specimen Type
Serum
Performing Lab
Quest Diagnostics San Juan Capistrano
Epic ID
Other Reference Test
Lab Test Days
Monday-Saturday
Standard TAT
1-2 Days
Collection Information
Specimen Required
1.5 ml Blood
Container Type
Red Top (No Additive)
Collection Instructions
Whole blood collected in a lavender-top (EDTA) or yellow-top (ACD) tube also acceptable. CSF or bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) in sterile cup; 3 mL respiratory swab in M4 VCM medium (green-cap) tube; tissue collected in a sterile container also acceptable
Processing Information - Lab Use Only
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate-OK/Frozen-OK
Specimen Stability
Room Temp: 48 Hours; Refrigerated: 7 Days (preferred for Serum, CSF, BAL, Whole Blood) ; Frozen: 30 Days (preferred for Tissue)
Test Volume Required
0.7 ml serum, CSF, or BAL
Minimum Test Volume
0.3 ml CSF, BAL
Processing Instructions
Tissue should be frozen on dry ice and transported frozen via overnight express. All other specimens should be transported refrigerated (2-8°C) via overnight express.
CPT Codes
87798
Revised
6/10/26
Initials
IM