Table 1.

Description of samples used for COVID-19 detection.

Specimen type	Collection materials	Transport to laboratory	Storage till testing	Suitable for Tests
Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab	Flocked swabs	4°C	≤5 days: 4°C > 5 days: −70°C	RT-PCR, Rapid Diagnostic Test
Bronchoalveolar lavage	Sterile container	4°C	≤48 h: 4°C > 48 h: −70°C	RT-PCR, Rapid Diagnostic Test
Tracheal aspirate, nasopharyngeal aspirate, or nasal wash	Sterile container	4°C	≤48 h: 4°C >48 h: −70°C	RT-PCR, Rapid Diagnostic Test
Sputum	Sterile container	4°C	≤48 h: 4°C > 48 h: −70°C	RT-PCR, Rapid Diagnostic Test
Whole blood (5 ml)	EDTA Vial	4°C	≤5 days: 4°C	ELISA, Immunodiagnostics