Special Communication
Unacceptable Specimen Transport Media for COVID-19 Testing
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:
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID-beaver-vtm-217x300.jpg)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID-NEST-tube-217x300.jpg)
The following specimen types are accepted by CCL for COVID-19 testing:
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/UTM-vial-157x300.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/M4RT-116x300.jpg)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/teknova-96x300.jpg)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/container-sterile-217x300.jpg)
Universal Transport Media (UTM), 3 mL
Viral Transport Medium (VTM), 3 mL
Saline Transport Media, 3 mL
Sterile Container*, 3 mL
Specimen Type:
• Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab – preferred
• Nasal (anterior nares) swab
• Oropharyngeal (OP) swab
Specimen Type:
• Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab – preferred
• Nasal (anterior nares) swab
• Oropharyngeal (OP) swab
Specimen Type:
• Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab – preferred
• Nasal (anterior nares) swab
• Oropharyngeal (OP) swab
Specimen Type:
• Sputum
• Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
*lower respiratory specimens only
Want More Information about COVID-19 Testing?
Review our Coronavirus 2019 Testing Overview for additional details, including collection instructions, required patient demographics, and more.
Need Collection & Transport Media?
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.