Information for Laboratories

Information for Laboratories
Updated Aug. 2, 2019

Most state laboratories are approved to test for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) using CDC’s rRT-PCR assay.

FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on June 5, 2013, to authorize use of CDC’s 2012 real-time reverse transcription–PCR assay to test for MERS-CoV in clinical respiratory, serum, and stool specimens. CDC has distributed this assay to qualified laboratories in the United States and around the world. See 2013 Coronavirus Emergency Use Authorization (Potential Emergency) [FDA, June 6, 2013]. The Emergency Use Authorization was expanded in June 2014 to allow use for testing asymptomatic contacts.

CDC Laboratory Testing for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

CDC conducts molecular and serology laboratory tests to detect MERS-CoV infection.

Guidelines for Clinical Specimens

Interim guidelines for collecting, handling, and testing clinical specimens from persons under investigation.

Lab Biosafety Guidelines

Interim laboratory biosafety guidelines for handling and processing specimens associated with MERS-CoV infection.