Information for Laboratories

This page includes interim guidance and resources for laboratory professionals working with specimens from persons under investigation (PUI) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Interim Guidance for Laboratories

dropper adding liquid into testing device

Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens
Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines
Laboratory Biosafety Frequently Asked Questions

Real-Time RT-PCR Resources

Acceptable Commercial Primers and Probes pdf icon[1 Page]
Processing of Sputum Specimens for Nucleic Acid Extraction pdf icon[1 page]
CDC 2019-nCoV Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel Instructions for Useexternal icon
FAQ for Diagnostic Tools and Virus
Information about COVID-19 diagnostic tests under FDA Emergency Use Authorizationexternal icon
To request 2019-nCoV grown in cell culture, NIH’s BEI Resources Repositoryexternal icon

Requests for COVID-19 Diagnostic Tools and Virus

Search for specific COVID-19 guidance across CDC web pages and documents

CDC COVID-19 Lab Work

CDC Tests for COVID-19
CDC Grows SARS-CoV-2 in Cell Culture
Serology Test for COVID-19

Fact Sheets to Accompany 2019-nCoV Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel Test Results

Fact Sheet for Patientspdf icon
Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers pdf icon

Additional Resources

FDA Diagnostic Testing Frequently Asked Questionsexternal icon

Page last reviewed: March 31, 2020

Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases