Test Directory
SARS - CoV PCR
Containers - Adult
Molecular Sample Solution (inactivating) (MSS)
|
Volume Range
Nose and throat swab |
20ml Sterile Universal Container
|
Volume Range
Bronchoalveolar Lavage taken into a Sterile Universal Container |
|
20ml Sterile Universal Container
|
Volume Range
Induced sputum taken into a Sterile Universal Container |
Containers - Child
|
Molecular Sample Solution (inactivating) (MSS)
|
Volume Range
Nose and throat swab |
|
20ml Sterile Universal Container
|
Volume Range
Broncholalveolar Lavage taken into a Sterile Universal Container |
15ml Conical Centrifuge Tube
|
Volume Range
Nasosopharyngeal Secretions taken into a sterile Conical Centrifuge Tube |
Laboratory Site
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Transport arrangements
Inter-site van shuttle service, GP van service, External hospital van service, Couriers, Hospital porter collection (refer to collection times posted in wards / departments),
DO NOT USE the Hospital Pneumatic Tube System (PTS).
Sample storage arrangements
Specimen transport arrangements must be in accordance with current postal and transport regulations. Samples should be transported to the laboratory without delay. If processing is delayed, refrigeration at 2-8 oC is preferable to storage at room temperature for all samples, with the exception of EDTA blood samples. EDTA blood samples must be stored at room temperature (19-23 oC). Patient samples can be transported at ambient temperature.
Special instructions for collection
Clinical samples must be collected into leak-proof containers and placed into a sealed bag with absorbent material and then into another sealed bag. Patient samples must be individually packaged and not mixed with other patient samples. Any appropriate hazard labelling should be clearly visible on the sample bag / sample.
See FAQ's above.
How to request
Use appropriate TRAK or ICE barcode labels which include Patient Identifier Number (CHI), Forename, Surname, Date of Birth, Gender and Location of patient (hospital and ward or primary care centre). Use Virology Request Form only if TRAK or ICE ordering system is unavailable.
Availability
Weekdays 08.30 - 17.00
Weekends 9.00 - 16.00
Anticipated turnaround
At this time, samples received in the Virology laboratory (level 2, RIE) by 9am will be resulted by 9am the following morning; this approach will be kept under review.
What happens if the result is positive or abnormal
Positive results are notified to the Duty Virologist and are available in the patient’s records.
Static information/disclaimer
False negative results may occur for a variety of reasons including: inappropriate timing of sample collection, inappropriate sample type, inappropriate sample storage and presence of virus below the detectable limit of the assay. New and emerging variants may also occur which may not be detected by specific assays. Towards the limit of detection of an assay sampling variation will result in lower reproducibility. Haemolysed or lipaemic samples can also cause interference with assay results.
General additional information
Test available 7 days per week. Results are available within 24 hours.
Please contact virologyadvice@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk for all non-urgent clinical enquiries.
Please contact the Duty Virologist on ext 63373, option 2 for all urgent clinical enquiries.
To order MSS media and swabs from PECOS:
These items are also available via the ward top up system.