CN-21-8: Referral of specimens to NVRL for SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)

Positive samples with Ct values of 25 or lower can be processed for SARS-CoV-2 WGS.

Please indicate the initial Ct value on the request form accompanying the sample to ensure the sample will be processed.  The assay requires 500µL of sample material, either inactivating swab medium or a non-lysing transport medium.  Other sample types may be processed by prior arrangement.

For outbreak investigations, users are requested to send no more than 10 samples in total, ideally including the index case, unless multiple introduction events are suspected.

When referring samples for WGS, users are asked to ensure that at least two matching patient identifiers are provided on both the sample and request form. 

Turnaround time for SARS-CoV-2 WGS is 15 working days from receipt of sample.

Important points:

• Two Patient Identifiers
• Initial Ct value
• 500µl