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Unacceptable Specimen Transport Media for COVID-19 Testing
Special Communication
Due to incompatibilities with our COVID-19 testing laboratory equipment, Cleveland Clinic Laboratories has determined that specimens in the following media are not acceptable for COVID-19 testing performed by CCL:
Beaver Biomedical Viral Transport Media (VTM)
NEST Solution for swab sample collection, transportation and storage
The following specimen types are accepted by CCL for COVID-19 testing:
Universal transport media (UTM)
or Viral Transport Medium (VTM) “ 3 mL
Saline solution “ 3 mL
Lower respiratory specimens
in a sterile container “ 3 mL
– Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab – preferred
– Nasal (anterior nares) swab
– Oropharyngeal (OP) swab
– Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab
– Nasal (anterior nares) swab
– Sputum
– Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
Want more information?
Review our Coronavirus 2019 Testing Overview for additional details, including collection instructions, required patient demographics, and more.
Need supplies?
If you are having difficulties obtaining appropriate COVID-19 specimen collection and transport supplies, please contact your CCL Account Manager.
Have a question?
Please contact Client Services at 800.628.6818.
If you have any questions about this change, please contact Client Services for assistance.
