Test Code COVTA Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Nucleocapsid, Total Antibody, Serum
Ordering Guidance
Molecular testing is recommended for diagnosis of COVID-19 in symptomatic patients. For more information, see HPCOV / Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Molecular Detection, Varies
For the most up to date COVID-19 epidemiology and testing recommendations, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Necessary Information
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions: Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Useful For
Aiding in identifying individuals with an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2, indicating recent or prior infection
Method Name
Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CIA)
Reporting Name
SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Total Ab, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
Frozen | 28 days | |
Ambient | 7 days |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Gross icterus | Reject |
Clinical Information
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus of the family Coronaviridae, genus Betacoronavirus. All coronaviruses share similarities in the organization and expression of their genome, which encodes 16 nonstructural proteins and the 4 structural proteins: spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M), and nucleocapsid (N).
Detection of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid indicates recent or prior infection with the virus. This assay will not detect an immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination as the N antigen is not in current vaccine preparations.
Reference Values
Negative
Performing Laboratory

Test Classification
This test has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86769
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday