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.