Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) technical guidance by WHO Laboratory testing for COVID-19 | Page 6

Laboratory testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in suspected human cases
Table 2. Specimen collection and storage (adapted from ref 6 and ref 29,30)
Specimen type Collection materials
Nasopharyngeal
and
oropharyngeal swab Dacron or polyester
flocked swabs*
Storage temperature
until testing in-country
laboratory Recommended temperature for shipment
according to expected shipment time
2-8 °C 2-8 °C if ≤ 5 days
–70 °C (dry ice) if > 5 days
Bronchoalveolar lavage
Sterile container *
2-8 °C
2-8 °C if ≤ 2 days
–70 °C (dry ice) if > 2 days
(Endo)tracheal aspirate,
nasopharyngeal or nasal
wash/aspirate Sterile container *
Sputum Sterile container
2-8 °C
2-8 °C if ≤ 2 days
–70 °C (dry ice) if > 2 days
2-8 °C
2-8 °C if ≤ 2 days
–70 °C (dry ice) if > 2 days
Tissue from biopsy or
autopsy including from
lung Sterile container with
saline or VTM Serum Serum separator tubes
(adults: collect 3-5 ml
whole blood) 2-8 °C
Collection tube 2-8 °C
Whole blood
2-8 °C
2-8 °C if ≤ 24 hours
–70 °C (dry ice) if > 24 hours
2-8 °C if ≤ 5 days
–70 °C (dry ice) if > 5 days
2-8 °C if ≤ 5 days
–70 °C (dry ice) if > 5 days
Stool
Stool container
2-8 °C
2-8 °C if ≤ 5 days
–70 °C (dry ice) if > 5 days
Urine
Urine
container
collection
2-8 °C
2-8 °C if ≤ 5 days
–70 °C (dry ice) if > 5 days
* For transport of samples for viral detection, use viral transport medium (VTM) containing antifungal and antibiotic supplements.
Avoid repeated freezing and thawing of specimens. If VTM is not available sterile saline may be used in place of VTM (in such
case, duration of sample storage at 2-8 °C may be different from what is indicated above).
Aside from specific collection materials indicated in the table also assure other materials and equipment are available: e.g. transport
containers and specimen collection bags and packaging, coolers and cold packs or dry ice, sterile blood-drawing equipment (e.g.
needles, syringes and tubes), labels and permanent markers, PPE, materials for decontamination of surfaces etc.
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