Test Overview
DiaSorin Molecular Simplex RT-PCR
The DiaSorin Molecular Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct assay system is a real-time RT-PCR system that enables the direct amplification of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 RNA from nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS). from patients suspected of COVID-19 by their health care provider. Testing is limited to laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), 42 U.S.C. §263a, to perform high complexity tests.
Results are for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. SARS-CoV-2 RNA is generally detectable in nasopharyngeal specimens during the acute phase of infection.
The Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct assay is intended for use by qualified and trained clinical laboratory personnel specifically instructed and trained in the techniques of real-time PCR and in vitro diagnostic procedures. Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct is only for use under the Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization.
Not detected
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Positive results are indicative of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA; clinical correlation with patient history and other diagnostic information is necessary to determine patient infection status. Positive results do not rule out bacterial infection or co-infection with other viruses. Laboratories within the United States and its territories are required to report all positive results to the appropriate public health authorities.
Negative results do not preclude SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for patient management decisions. Negative results must be combined with clinical observations, patient history, and epidemiological information. False-negative results may occur if the viruses are present at a level that is below the analytical sensitivity of the assay or if the virus has genomic mutations, insertions, deletions, or rearrangements or if performed very early in the course of illness.
Invalid results indicate the inability to conclusively determine presence or absence of SARS-CoV2 RNA in the patient sample. This result may be due to 1) Internal Control (IC) failure, or 2) failure to detect sufficient specimen volume
Optimum specimen types and timing for peak viral levels during infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 have not been determined. Collection of multiple specimens from the same patient may be necessary to detect the virus. The possibility of a false negative result should especially be considered if the patient’s recent exposures or clinical presentation suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection is possible and diagnostic tests for other causes of illness (e.g., other respiratory illness) are negative. If SARS-CoV-2 infection is still suspected, re-testing should be considered in consultation with public health authorities.
Test Details
The test will be performed multiple times per day with results reported within 6 hrs of receipt of specimen in the laboratory contingent upon testing capacity.
- COVSC
- SARS-CoV-2
Specimen Requirements
MLabs has limited supplies of NP swabs and transport media. Please contact client services at 800-862-7284 to determine availability of supplies for your testing needs. MLabs can accept testing from clients that provide their own collection supplies.
Specimen Collection: With the head in a tiled position, insert the swab into one nostril, advancing into the nasopharynx until resistance is felt. Rotate the swab several times on the nasopharyngeal membrane to allow adequate collection of epithelial cells - a minimum of 3 "full twists" is standard to obtain a good collection; if unsure you maintained contact with the membrane, add another 1-2 full twists.
Insert swab into viral transport media or phosphate buffered saline. Break off swab stick at the breakpoint to ensure it will fully fit into the closed tube. Fasten the cap tightly to prevent leakage. Refrigerate.
This test is currently available only to Michigan Medicine clinicians for Michigan Medicine patients. MLabs regrets that due to resource and capacity constraints we cannot offer this test to our clients at this time. This notice will be modified to reflect current test availability.
Additional Information
Laboratories within the United States and its territories are required to report all positive results to the appropriate public health authorities.
Additional information from the CDC can be found below:
• COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Additional information about the interpretation and use of this test can be found at:
Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct – FDA www.fda.gov › media › download
Assay lower limit of detection: 500 copies/mL (0.5 copies/µL)
The DiaSorin Molecular Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct assay system is a real-time RT-PCR system that enables the direct amplification of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 RNA from nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS). The system consists of the Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct assay, the LIAISON® MDX (with LIAISON® MDX Studio Software), the Direct Amplification Disc and associated accessories. In the Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct assay, fluorescent probes are used together with corresponding forward and reverse primers to amplify SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA and internal control RNA. The assay targets two different regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, ORF1ab and S gene. The S gene encodes the spike glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus) and is also targeted to specifically detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2. The ORF1ab region encodes well-conserved non-structural proteins and therefore is less susceptible to recombination.