SARS RNA (non-COVID-19)

Diagnostic Use

In February 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported about 300 cases of a rapidly progressive respiratory illness in the Guangdong Province of China with five deaths. Over the next month, similar cases were reported from Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and Canada. By the end of the worldwide outbreak in July 2003, a total of 8096 cases were reported, with 774 deaths and a case-fatality rate of 9.6 percent.
A novel coronavirus was detected in specimens from a number of the patients with "severe acute respiratory syndrome" (SARS). This coronavirus was known as SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Once another novel coronavirus emerged in 2019 and was designated SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV became known as SARS-CoV-1.

Department

Microbiology - Virology

Delphic Registration Code

SARS

Synonyms

Coronavirus (SARS) PCR
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome RNA
SARS CoV-1

Turnaround Time

24 hours

Test Code

2187

Specimen Type

• Nasopharyngeal Swab

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Swab - Viral

Pre-testing Requirements

Collection packs can be ordered by emailing LabInfo@cdhb.health.nz

Aliquot Instructions

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Interpretation

The diagnosis of SARS is largely based on clinical criteria and the exclusion of other respiratory pathogens. This diagnostic test can assist with the laboratory confirmation of a probable SARS case.

This current PCR is very specific but lacks sensitivity and will not detect all SARS patients being investigated who are excreting coronavirus.

Test Method

Detection of SARS coronavirus RNA. Reverse transcriptase PCR. Confirmation of positives by sequencing.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$118.05 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

2187

Resources

• Respiratory Viral Testing instructions
• Swab identification guide

Contact Information

Enquiry Form