MERS-CoV - Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus

Test Name Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
Alternate Name(s) MERS-CoV
Laboratory Module LAB
Ordering Mnemonic MERS
Specimen Type

NP swab and throat swabs: swab in 1ml universal transport media (UTM).

BAL: 1ml. Blood: 5.0 ml whole blood or 1.0 ml serum. Stool: 1 gram.
Collection Container  
Container Information  
Collection Information
Ensure the following fields are completed if diagnostic testing is requested:
​Signs and Symptoms Onset date Travel history and travel dates. Patient setting (e.g. hospitalized, ICU) Identify whether the patient has pneumonia/lower respiratory tract infection. Specify “MERS-CoV†on the laboratory requisition.
Test Schedule  
Routine Turnaround Time  
Stat Turnaround Time  
Reference Interval  
Critical Values  
Lab Process Notes The submitting physician or another healthcare provider who has knowledge of the patient and how they meet the case definition (e.g. ER nurse, ICP) MUST Contact PHOL's Customer Service Centre at 416-235-6556/1-877-604-4567 prior to submission
PHOL reviews each request with the submitting physician or another healthcare provider who has knowledge of the patient and how they meet the case definition (e.g. ER nurse, ICP). If health unit becomes aware of a request prior to PHOL being contacted, ask the submitter to call PHOL before submission, ideally prior to specimen collection and after a physician has seen the patient.
PHOL will then verify that the patient meets criteria, determine testing priority, obtain contact information for results and provide advice concerning specimen
collection, transportation and turnaournd time. Additional testing may be discussed.
Storage and Transport Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHOL on ice packs
Test Referred To Offsite, Reference Lab

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