Appendix F2 - Figure 2

Supplement F: Laboratory Guidance

Public Health Guidance for Community-Level Preparedness and Response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Version 2/3

Figure 2 - RT-PCR Confirmatory Testing

Text version of Figure 2

PHL, LRN or commercial lab obtains Pos result.

Lab sends aliquot to CDC for confirmatory testing and includes copy of data.

CDC performs SARS RT-PCR.

• If Pos result, this is confirmed identification of SARS-CoV.¹
• If control guidelines not met, repeat test using new aliquot.
• If Neg result, further evaluation may be necessary.
  • Testing for other pathogens may be indicated.

Footnotes

1. Confirmed identification of SARS-CoV in a single clinical specimen is not equivalent to laboratory confirmation of SARS-CoV infection in a patient. To be confident that a PCR-positive specimen indicates infection in the patient, a second specimen should be confirmed positive. For more information on the criteria for diagnosing SARS-CoV infection, see Appendix F8.