MERS PCR to Washington State Lab

Submit Blood, Respiratory, and Stool samples.

Collect 3 mLs blood in RED TOP or GOLD SST (preferred)

Also Acceptable: LAVENDER TOP, GREEN TOP, or LIME GREEN PST Tubes.

and

Collect Nasopharyngeal and Oropharyngeal swabs submitted in single viral transport media tube. (Use only synthetic fiber swabs with plastic shafts) or 2-3 mL BAL, sputum, tracheal aspirate, or pleural fluid in sterile leak-proof container. (Calcium alginate swabs or wooden shafted swabs are unacceptable)

and

Collect 2-5 grams of stool specimen (formed or liquid) in in sterile leak-proof container.

Refrigerate serum/plasma, respiratory, and stool specimens. If samples to be stored >72 hours, store Frozen at -70. Be sure the lid on the specimen containers are secure. Place parafilm around the lid to prevent leakage.

SPS Note: At order entry, include the modifier comment "Possible MERS" for all other Virology tests being requested along with MERS.

Login: SPMSND-;REFRIG, POSSIBLE MERS

• MSNDTO: WPHL
• MSPTYP: [varies] Serum, Plasma, NP swab, OP swab, BAL, Sputum, Pleural Fluid, Tracheal Aspirate, Stool
• MTSTRQ: ;MERS Coronavirus by PCR

Sendouts: Before sending, verify order with the WPHL Epidemiologist at (206) 418-5500 or the SKPH Epidemiologist at (206) 296-4774. A completed Serology/Virology/HIV state lab requisition should accompany the submission.

Outside Laboratories: Obtain permission from the local county public health epidemiologist prior to submitting a sample. Write the provider's full contact information, the patient's county, and the name of the epidemiologist approving the request on the WA State requisition.

Stability: Refrigerated: 72 hrs