Coronaviruses are important human and animal pathogens. Common cold coronaviruses (ccCoVs) can cause upper respiratory tract infections in adults and probably also play a role in severe respiratory infections in both children and adults. They are globally ubiquitous but their seasonality depends, in part, on the climate.
The human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are classified in two genera:
Alpha coronaviruses (HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63)
Beta coronaviruses (HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-OC43, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus [MERS-CoV], the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus [SARS-CoV]), and SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19)
At CHL, the seasonal strains 229E, NL63, HKU and OC43 are included in the extended Respiratory Virus Multiplex panel.
For MERS, SARS-CoV and SARS-Cov-2 requests, please refer to individual test guide entries.
Microbiology - Virology
IRNA
Requests are batch tested daily Monday - Friday, approx 1100; results available mid-late afternoon. Urgent or weekend testing must be discussed with and approved by a Microbiologist.
After processing, samples for rapid respiratory screening are stored for 4 weeks before discard. Add-on requests for Respiratory Multiplex PCR may be made for other appropriate tests during this time frame by contacting Virology if clinical indications are met. Approval from a Microbiologist may be required.
Human Coronavirus RNA
Respiratory PCR
229E
NL63
HKU1
OC43
3 days
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