SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Serological and NAA Swab Testing Now Available

Please call our office at 866-999-4041 for more information.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) testing is now available for general use. The test code for diagnostic NAA swab testing is 139900. The cost in this instance is the same for everyone - $100. The specimen requires a nasopharyngeal swab or oropharyngeal swab collection which can be sent to your office if needed.

The cost of the NAA swab testing has increased from $51.00 to $100.00. This price is currently non-discountable by LabCorp and is the same for every account. This price increase is due to changes in Federal CMS reimbursement rates and as such, PCS offers COVID-19 testing at cost.

Collection is ONLY to be performed at the clinician’s office and no patients can be sent to a LabCorp Patient Service Center for the collection of the NAA swab test.

Testing is also available through local health departments, so if COVID-19 is suspected, this may be a prudent path to consider.

There are important considerations to review in advance of testing. A link below has all information available.

https://www.labcorp.com/information-labcorp-about-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

Here is a link to the CDC website for guidance on Evaluating and Reporting Persons under Investigation (PUI). Obviously, this is an area of intense interest and scrutiny during the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19. It is highly suggested that you read all information provided.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-criteria.html

IF you choose to perform test collection, please call our office at 866-999-4041 and we will transmit collection instructions and arrange for dispatch of supplies.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Serological Testing
Click here for specificity and sensitivity information for the SARS-CoV-2, IgG antibody test.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) antibody testing is now available.

The IgG antibody (Test Code: 164055) is the only serological testing available for collection at a LabCorp Patient Service Center.

Samples for SARS-CoV-2 serological testing for IgM and IgA MUST be collected by a healthcare provider. Specimen collection for a patient with active COVID-19 is NOT available at LabCorp Patient Service Centers.

The cost for individual SARS-CoV-2 Antibody tests has been reduced from $100.00 to $50.00.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), IgG – Test Code: 164055 – Price: $50.00
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), IgM – Test Code: 164034 – Price: $50.00
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), IgA – Test Code: 164072 – Price: $50.00

Regarding the specificity and sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2 serology testing:

Click here for specificity and sensitivity information for the SARS-CoV-2, IgG antibody test.

The NAA swab test (Test Code: 139900) is the standard diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2.

LabCorp has provided guidance as to the timing of when antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are detectable after exposure:

IgG – Detectable 10-14 days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2

IgM – Detectable 5-7 days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2

IgA – Unknown at this time.

What does a serology positive mean?

Positive results:

A positive result means that the patient was exposed in the past and has developed the detected antibody.
A positive result does not prove that a patient is immune to the virus.
A positive result does not indicate that the patient is not currently infectious to others.
A positive result does not indicate that the patient currently has the virus in his/her system.
There may be a false positive if a patient was exposed to another non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus strain. These non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 strains are common and are one cause of the common cold. We don’t have the numbers today on how often the false positives due to cross reactivity may occur.

What does a negative serology mean?

Negative results:

A negative result means that no antibody to the virus was detected in the sample tested or if low level of antibody is present, it is present at a level below the assay’s detection limit
A negative result does not mean that the patient is free of the virus.
A negative result does not mean that the patient is not currently infected and infectious to others, especially if the individual has come in contact with the virus. Follow‐up testing with a NAA test (Test Code: 139900) should be performed in these individuals.
Individuals who are immunosuppressed or who are on drugs that suppress the immune system may test negative despite being exposed to SARS‐CoV‐2.