We use real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests to qualitatively detect nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, as recommended by the CDC. The RT-PCR platform is FDA-authorized and requires specialized equipment and personnel to identify the virus RNA within cells. This type of testing is considered more accurate than most “rapid” tests. The specificity of the RT-PCR is tested weekly to ensure that newly discovered COVID-19 mutations are detected by the test.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a relatively simple and widely used molecular biology technique to amplify and detect DNA and RNA sequences. PCR is a highly sensitive method and uses very small volumes for single reactions and to rapidly make millions to billions of copies of a specific RNA sample allowing scientists to take a very small sample of RNA and amplify it to a large enough amount to study in detail.
Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) is used when the starting material is RNA. In this method, RNA is first transcribed into complementary DNA (cDNA) by reverse transcriptase. The cDNA is then used as the template for the polymerase chain reaction.
We are able to accept specimen collected by the following methods:
US BioTek Laboratories can provide a specimen collection kit for collection by nasopharyngeal swab, nasal mid-turbinate swab, or anterior nasal swab. Each kit includes one swab, one transport tube, one biohazard bag, one ice pack, and one requisition form. There is a $7 fee per kit that will be charged upfront.
You may choose to use your own specimen collection materials, but please note we are unable to accept specimen collected with swabs that have a wooden shaft or a cotton or calcium alginate tip.
Yes. We invite licensed healthcare providers to set up an account with us. Our services can be ordered by a healthcare provider who is authorized under his or her scope of practice to order tests and interpret results for the purposes of diagnosis and decisions regarding patient treatment.
If you do not yet have one, create a US BioTek Laboratories account. It's easy and free of charge.
Already have a US BioTek account? The next step is to make sure you have appropriate collection materials.
If you have swabs with synthetic tips and shafts on hand, you may use these (please review our instructions for specimen collection).
Alternatively, you can purchase specimen collection kits from US BioTek. These are available to licensed practitioners with a US BioTek account for $7 each and include one swab, one transport tube, one biohazard bag, one ice pack, and one requisition form.
You must have a registered US BioTek account to order collection kits. Please enter your US BioTek Practitioner ID in the field below. If you have forgotten yours, please call us at 1.206.365.1256 for assistance.
Upon completion of specimen collection, complete the requisition form included in your test kit and include it in your specimen shipment. You can also complete and print our online interactive pdf form:
How to complete the requisition form:
• Print patient’s name legibly, last name first.
Fill out the form below to request pricing information, specimen requirements, and to submit questions about our COVID-19 Diagnostic Test. Our team will follow up with you quickly.
If you do not yet have one, create a US BioTek Laboratories account. It's easy and free of charge.
Already have a US BioTek account? The next step is to make sure you have appropriate collection materials.
If you have swabs with synthetic tips and shafts on hand, you may use these (please review our instructions for specimen collection).
Alternatively, you can purchase specimen collection kits from US BioTek. These are available to licensed practitioners with a US BioTek account for $7 each and include one swab, one transport tube, one biohazard bag, one ice pack, and one requisition form.
You must have a registered US BioTek account to order collection kits. Please enter your US BioTek Practitioner ID in the field below. If you have forgotten yours, please call us at 1.206.365.1256 for assistance.
Upon completion of specimen collection, complete the requisition form included in your test kit and include it in your specimen shipment. You can also complete and print our online interactive pdf form:
How to complete the requisition form:
• Print patient’s name legibly, last name first.
Fill out the form below to request pricing information, specimen requirements, and to submit questions about our COVID-19 Diagnostic Test. Our team will follow up with you quickly.
