There is limited information available to characterize the spectrum of clinical illness associated with COVID-19 but it likely spreads to others when a person shows signs or symptoms. Based on what is known about the virus that causes COVID-19, signs and symptoms may appear any time from 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Based on preliminary data, the median incubation period is approximately 4 days. Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 have developed fever and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., cough, difficulty breathing). 

Please visit:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) test with iQ Genetix utilizing a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab.

The list price for our COVID-19 test is $150.00

The analytic sensitivity of the iQ Genetix PCR COVID-19 test was determined to be 100% in detecting known amounts of SARS-CoV-2 RNA with no cross reactivity to other known respiratory pathogens. A Not Detected (negative) test result for this test means that SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not present in the specimen above the manufacturer recommended cutoff value.

An interpretation indicating “Not Detected” does not rule out the possibility of COVID-19 and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions. If COVID-19 is still suspected, based on exposure history together with other clinical findings, re-testing should be considered in consultation with public health authorities. Laboratory test results should always be considered in the context of clinical observations and epidemiological data in making a final diagnosis and patient management decisions.

Studies have been conducted on symptomatic patients; thus, it is unknown the exact exposure date for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.  Studies show that asymptomatic patients begin shedding later after exposure* then symptomatic patients and then shed for a longer period of time. Additionally, asymptomatic patients also produce less antibodies.

*Huff HV, Singh A (2020) Asymptomatic Transmission During the Coronavirus Disease 2019

Pandemic and Implications for Public Health Strategies. Clin Infect

Dis. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaa654

*Long Q-X, Tang X-J, Shi Q-L, et al (2020) Clinical and immunological assessment of

asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections. Nat Med 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-020-0965-6

Collection technique may include nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal or bronchoalveolar lavage.

IQ Genetix will provide specimen collection instructions with each kit. Specimens should be collected with appropriate infection control precautions. Current guidance for COVID-19 infection control precautions are available at the CDC’s website (see links provided in

Use appropriate personal protective equipment when collecting and handling specimens from individuals suspected of having COVID-19 as outlined in the CDC Interim Laboratory

Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus

Disease 2019 (COVID-19)). For additional information, refer to CDC Interim Guidelines for

Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Persons Under Investigation (PUIs)

for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (see links provided in “Where can I go for updates and more information” section).

The iQ Genetix COVID-19 PCR test requires a simple, non-invasive nasal swab that can easily be administered by patients themselves under the supervision of the trained professional.

Each test kit will be sent to you in an individual package with specimen collection instructions, a requisition form, the testing kit (nasal swab, collection device container), tube label, a biohazard bag, shipping box, and a FedEx Clinical Pak.

1. Complete the label information with the patient’s full name and date of birth and affix it to the collection device.

2. Fill out the requisition form, ensuring that all required fields are completed.

3. Follow the sample collection instructions, to collect the specimen.

4. Place the swab in the collection device container that will keep the sample stable during transport.

1. Note: The handle of the swab must be cut so that it will fit inside the collection container with the lid properly screwed on.

5. Place the specimen tube into a specimen biohazard bag, and place with the requisition form (folded) into the pocket on the outside of the specimen bag.

6. Place the specimen into the shipping box and close it.

7. Lastly, place the shipping box containing the collection device and the requisition form in the FedEx Clin Pak

8. Send to iQ Genetix for testing.

9. Bulk shipment is available upon request. For bulk, follow the same procedure above, except that the shipping box (red) is not required. Instead, place collection containers into the FedEx Clin Pak.

You will receive the test results from iQ Genetix within 24-48 hours from the time of receipt at the laboratory.

A positive test result for COVID-19 indicates that RNA from SARS-CoV-2 was detected, and the patient is infected with the virus and presumed to be contagious. Laboratory test results should always be considered in the context of clinical observations and epidemiological data in making a final diagnosis and patient management decisions. Patient management should follow current CDC guidelines.

A negative test result for this test means that SARSCoV-2 RNA was not present in the specimen above the limit of detection. However, a negative result does not rule out COVID-19 and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions.

A negative result does not exclude the possibility of COVID-19.

What does it mean if I test negative for the virus that causes COVID-19?

When diagnostic testing is negative, the possibility of a false negative result should be considered in the context of a patient’s recent exposures and the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19. The possibility of a false negative result should especially be considered if the patient’s recent exposures or clinical presentation indicate that COVID19 is likely, and diagnostic tests for other causes of illness (e.g., other respiratory illness) are negative. If COVID-19 is still suspected based on exposure history together with other clinical findings, re-testing should be considered in consultation with public health authorities.

iQ Genetix will report the test results to the state health department and the ordering authorized provider.

Medicare, Medicaid and private payers will cover the full cost of COVID-19 testing if the test is medically necessary and ordered by a qualified healthcare professional.

iQ Genetix will cover the cost of shipping the samples to you and also back to us.

CDC webpages

• General Information
• Healthcare Professionals
• Guidance for Laboratories
• Lab Safety
• Isolation Precautions in Healthcare Settings
• Specimen Collection
• Infection Control