SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Testing
Background and Transmission
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person-to-person. The main infection route is between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Currently, transmission from surfaces is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, however the CDC’s April 13th update remarked: “COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning about how it spreads and the severity of illness it causes.”
Surface Contamination
Recent studies suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may remain viable and infective on surfaces for hours to days, depending on the surface’s material type (fabric, tile, steel, etc.). Thorough cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces are recommended by the CDC and believed to be essential in preventing the spread of infection1 . The presence or absence of the viral genetic material on environmental surfaces can now be directly tested with EMSL’s new SARS-CoV-2 molecular-based test and used to demonstrate effectiveness of cleaning protocols. EMSL’s test results include both the 2019-nCoV_N1 and N2 markers of the virus. This is a qualitative presence/absence test.
EMSL is now AIHA Accredited for for Rapid Identification of SARSCoV-2 (COVID-19) Coronavirus by RT-qPCR on a swab Matrix. AIHA Accreditation Number 100194.
Air Contamination
The CDC states that COVID-19 is primarily transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets. When someone with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or speaks, these droplets are released and infectious droplets can be inhaled or they can land in the noses or mouths of those nearby. The CDC also states that respiratory droplets can land on hands, surfaces, and objects around the person when they speak or cough. EMSL’s test results include both the 2019-nCoV_N1 and N2 markers of the virus. This is a qualitative presence/absence test.
Wastewater Contamination
Recent wastewater studies indicate that testing untreated wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 is an important epidemiological tool. EMSL offers SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test for wastewater samples and designed to detect both the 2019-nCoV_N1 and 2019-nCoV_N2 markers of the virus. The Wastewater SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test protocol has been validated by EMSL, and features comprehensive quality control procedures to ensure consistent results. This is a quantitative test.
SARS-CoV-2 Air, Surface & Wastewater Testing by qPCR
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is now accepting Air, Swab, and Wastewater samples to confirm the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment, otherwise known as COVID-19. Clinical or human-derived samples are not accepted.
EMSL RT-qPCR test is active against Delta coronavirus variant
According to CDC genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been emerging and circulating around the world throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant emerged in India and is currently widespread. The level of public safety and awareness has been elevated since Delta variant is potentially more transmissible than other coronavirus variants.
The RT-qPCR test employed for environmental SARS-CoV-2 surveillance by EMSL detects all know variants of SARS-CoV-2 including Delta. Mutations in Delta variant affect one of the coronavirus structural proteins called spike protein whereas EMSL SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR test targets a different part of viral genome: conserved RNA sequence of gene coding for nucleocapsid protein.
While current immunization efforts might reduce the risk of individual infections the disease transmission routes remain the same. Testing for the environmental component of SARS-CoV-2 contagion is still important since immunized individuals can unknowingly carry and spread viral pathogens.
Analysis
EMSL employs a RT-qPCR test that targets the SARS-CoV-2-nucleocapsid N gene. This method is specified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical COVID-19 diagnostics. Since the human RNAse P gene is not analyzed in our test, the EMSL RT-qPCR test can only be used for environmental testing; not for processing patient SARS-CoV-2 specimens. In addition, as environmental samples frequently contain qPCR inhibiting substances found in dirt, soil, and dust that can affect the qPCR reaction performance, EMSL will apply a proprietary nucleic acid (NA) extraction method to every sample. This will ensure the removal of any qPCR inhibitors, as well as the accurate detection of the target viral RNA.
Click Here to view EMSL’s DNA Laboratory Glossary of Terminology to learn more.
Results Interpretation Contamination
EMSL’s SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) results are reported as either ‘Detected’ or ‘Non-Detected’ for two indicators of the SARSCoV-2, per sample, as directed by the CDC. Indicator one is 2019-nCoV_N1 and indicator two is 2019-nCoV_N2. Both indicators detect the nucleocapsid protein ‘N’ gene of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Wastewater sample analysis is quantitative.
A result of ‘Detected’ for either indicator can be interpreted with confidence that the area sampled did contain SARSCoV-2 coronavirus particles that could be deemed as potentially infectious.
Test Information and Turnaround Time
Air and Swab Matrix – Presence/Absence
EMSL Test Code: M330
*Results Reported End of Business Day
Turnaround Time (TAT)
Same Day
1 Day
2 Days
3 Days
4 Days
5 Days
Wastewater Matrix – Presence/Absence Quantitative
EMSL Test Code: M330
*Results Reported End of Business Day
Turnaround Time (TAT)
3 Days
5 Days
10 Days
Sampling Supplies and Media
Air Sample:
PCR Cassette / Sterile, 0.4µm, 37mm, 3-Piece, Polycarbonate PCR Air Filter
- $7 each (USD) – Item number 8715309
Via-Pore PCR Cassette / Sterile, 1.0 µm, 37mm, 3-Piece, Carbon-Filled Cassette with Support Pad
- $12 each (USD) – Item number 8715251
- $110 / Pack of 10 (USD) – Item number 8715250
Pump Kit / EMSL PCR Air Sampling Pump Kit – High Volume Rotary Vane Pump, Stand, and 3-30 LPM Rotameter
- Rent: $35 each (USD) per day – Item number 87RD037
- Purchase: $325 each (USD) – Item number 8706107
- Luer Adapter 12 Pack (USD) – Item number 8704300K (required)
Swab Sample:
Sterile Surface Swabs
- $5 each (USD) – Item number 8708935
Wastewater Sample:
Sterile 120ml Bottle (Only 100 mL required for Sampling)
- $1 each (USD) – Item number 8714235
Alternate sample collection media may also be accepted for SARS-CoV-2 analysis utilizing established protocols. As additional laboratory preparations may be required, please contact EMSL before submitting alternate sampling media for analysis.
Sampling and Shipping Instructions
Carefully follow the below sampling and shipping instructions.
Chain-of-Custody (COC)
Click here to access an editable PDF of EMSL’s SARS-CoV-2 qPCR COC. All samples must be submitted on this form or they will not be processed.
SARS-CoV-2 Air Sampling Instructions
Sampling and Shipping Instructions
Wearing appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE):
- Remove swab from the transport container by unscrewing the cap. The swab will be attached to the bottom of the cap.
- Lightly press the swab tip to the inside of the transport container to remove excess transport medium (liquid).
- Use swab to sample surface areas of interest (25cm2 is commonly used but a specified area is not required). Swab with moderate pressure while moving in at least two different directions and rotating the swab so that the entire swab surface area is used. Avoid letting the swab dry completely.
- Immediately after sampling, place the swab back into the transport container and screw the cap on tightly.
- Wipe the outside of transport container with an alcohol wipe and label the outside of the container with unique sample identifiers that will match the Chain-Of-Custody (COC) to be submitted.
- We recommend a field blank (control sample) also be submitted on every project. The control swab must be handled the same way as the environmental samples: In the work area, open the package and remove the swab from the tube, but do not swab any surfaces. Then, place back into transport container.
- Place all samples for your project in a clean Ziploc bag and seal tightly.
- Wipe down the Ziploc bag with an alcohol wipe and place inside another clean Ziploc bag and seal (the samples are now double-bagged).
- Perform a final wipe down of the exterior Ziploc bag with an alcohol wipe.
- Fill out the EMSL SARS-CoV-2 COC form and place inside of a separate Ziploc bag.
- Pack samples well so they are not damaged during shipping. Samples must be wrapped with and shipped with an ice-pack. Bubble wrap is commonly utilized inside of a padded cooler.
- Write on the outside of the shipping container so that it is clear/readable: TEST CODE M330 – PCR LAB ONLY
- We recommend shipping samples on the same day as collected. If unable to ship on the same day as collected, samples may be refrigerated up to 72 hours.
- Samples must be shipped using ‘Priority’ overnight delivery. EMSL offers free FedEx Priority Overnight shipping for existing customers via LABConnectTM.
- All SARS-CoV-2 samples must be shipped to the following address. (NOTE: Samples can ONLY be received Monday through Friday). Fed-Ex labels are provided for shipping via LABConnectTM:
EMSL Analytical, Inc.
**TEST CODE M330 – PCR LAB ONLY**
200 Route 130 North
Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
- Any samples arriving improperly shipped, damaged, or leaking will be rejected, not processed and discarded.
SARS-CoV-2 Wastewater Sampling Instructions
Sample Collection Recommendations
- Collect raw wastewater that has not been chemically treated.
- Refer to Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (Section 9060) for
suggestions on wastewater sampling procedures. - Plan to collect samples that are representative of the water being tested.
- Take precautions to avoid contaminating samples. Wear clean disposable gloves when collecting
samples and avoid touching the bottle mouth with hands or surfaces. - Samples should be shipped on same day as collected.
Sample Collection and Shipping Instructions
Wearing appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE):
- Keep the sample bottle completely closed until just before collecting the sample. Remove the bottle cap and do not set it down on any surface. Be careful to avoid external contamination during sample collection and do not contaminate the inner surface of the bottle cap and bottle neck.
- This test requires 100ml of raw wastewater that has not been chemically treated, per sample. When collecting samples, fill the sterile bottle just beyond the 100ml fill line to the bottle neck, while leaving some air space in the bottle. Replace cap immediately and secure cap.
- Wipe the outside of the bottle with an alcohol wipe and label the outside of the bottle with unique sample identifiers that will match the Chain-Of-Custody (COC) to be submitted.
- Place the bottle back inside of the bubble-wrapped bag that the sample bottle arrived in from the laboratory and seal tightly. As an alternative, double-bag the bottle in sealed, zip-baggies.
- Wipe down the bubble-wrapped bag with an alcohol wipe.
- Fill out the EMSL SARS-CoV-2 Chain of Custody form, and place in a separate zip-bag, and seal.
- Pack samples well so they are not damaged during shipping. Samples must be wrapped with and shipped with an ice-pack. Bubble wrap is commonly utilized inside of a padded cooler. Ship samples using the provided insulated shipping container.
- Write on the outside of the shipping container so that it is clear/readable:
TEST CODE M330 – PCR LAB ONLY - Samples should be shipped on same day as collected. If unable to ship on the same day as collected, keep samples cold but unfrozen (<8°C) during transportation of the sample to the laboratory for processing. Wastewater samples can be stored at 2–8°C for up to 72 hours after collection.
- Samples must be shipped using ‘Priority’ overnight delivery. EMSL offers free FedEx Priority Overnight shipping for existing customers via LABConnectTM.
- All SARS-CoV-2 samples must be shipped to the following address. (NOTE: Samples can ONLY be received Monday through Friday).
EMSL Analytical, Inc.
**TEST CODE M330 – PCR LAB ONLY**
200 Route 130 North
Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
- Any samples arriving improperly shipped, damaged, or leaking will be rejected, not processed and discarded.
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