SARS‑CoV‑2 RNA (COVID‑19), Qualitative NAAT

Casandra

Casandra Test Code QD58816Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Quest DiagnosticsLab Test ID 39448CPT Code 87635

SARS‑CoV‑2 RNA (COVID‑19), Qualitative NAAT

Also known as: Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan, COVID19, nCOV, Coronavirus

Clinical Use

Order Test

Use

This test is a molecular nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) assay, including PCR or TMA, designed for qualitative detection of SARS‑CoV‑2 RNA in respiratory specimens, supporting clinical diagnosis of COVID‑19 in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. It routes specimens to one of multiple EUA‑authorized platforms at Quest, including a laboratory‑developed test (LDT), Roche Diagnostics, Hologic Panther Fusion, and Hologic Panther COVID‑19 assays, enhancing flexibility and throughput. It enables single‑code ordering to optimize capacity and turnaround time. ([questdiagnostics.com](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/about-our-tests/infectious-diseases/covid-19/naat?utm_source=openai))

Special Instructions

Quest uses a single test code (39448) to route specimens to the most available EUA‑authorized molecular testing platform, enhancing capacity and minimizing backlog. Supervised self‑collection is permitted in Patient Service Centers where state regulations allow for asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients. Priority testing (hospitalized, LTC, presurgical) uses an orange handling card. ([questdiagnostics.com](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/about-our-tests/infectious-diseases/covid-19/naat?utm_source=openai))

Limitations

The test is qualitative only and its performance depends on specimen type, collection quality, and handling. Specimens routed across different EUA platforms may have variable sensitivity characteristics. Priority handling reduces TAT but does not guarantee same‑day results. Standard code supplants prior codes (39433 and 39444) which were discontinued after May 4, 2020. ([questdiagnostics.com](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/about-our-tests/infectious-diseases/covid-19/naat?utm_source=openai))

Test Details