Table 1. Specimens for molecular detection tests of MERS-CoV RNA.

Type of specimens	Transport medium	Transport condition	Category for transport of infectious substances x
Lower respiratory tract specimens		4℃a If the test is delayed by 72 hours or more, specimens should be frozen and transported with dry ice	Category B
Sputum	Sterile container
Bronchoalveolar lavage	Sterile container
Tracheal aspirate	Sterile container
Lung tissue, biopsy or autopsy	Viral transport medium or sterile saline (for bacterial culture)
Upper respiratory tract specimens
Nasopharyngeal aspirate	Sterile container
Naso-/oropharyngeal swab	Viral transport medium

MERS-CoV, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus.

^aSpecimens for diagnosis should be collected within 7 days of the onset symptoms.