Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

COVID-19 RT-PCR test orders for specimens submitted to NCSLPH must be placed online in our ETOR system. If you have questions regarding ETOR, please contact NCSLPH Customer Service at 919-733-3937 or slph.etor@dhhs.nc.gov.

Clinical Laboratory Guidance

• The testing and specimen submission guidance listed below only applies to testing at the NCSLPH. Refer to any commercial or health system laboratory guidance when using those services. See information below related to ordering specimen collection supplies for COVID-19 testing at laboratories other than NCSLPH.
• NCSLPH is currently conducting testing to detect COVID-19 using the CDC Influenza SARS-CoV-2 (Flu SC2) Multiplex assay which has been granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA.
  • EUA Fact Sheets
    • EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers – CDC Multiplex assay
    • EUA Fact Sheet for Patients – CDC Multiplex assay

Specimen Collection

Handout for Collecting and Sending COVID-19 and Influenza Specimens to the NCSLPH (PDF, 561 KB) - Last updated 06/16/2023

Specimen Shipment to SLPH

• Specimens should be packaged and shipped as UN3373 Category B if using a commercial courier. Please see this June 19, 2020 memo and poster from the US DOT reviewing Category B shipping and safe COVID-19 specimen transport.
• Local Health Departments may ship specimens using the SLPH Medical Courier.
• Specimen may be hand delivered at the NCSLPH loading dock from 8am-5pm Monday through Friday, and 8am-12pm on Saturday.

Specimen Rejection Criteria

• Specimens not received at 2-8°C (≤72 hrs) or frozen at -70°C (>72 hrs old).
• Incomplete specimen labeling or documentation. 
• Inappropriate specimen type.
• Insufficient specimen volume for testing.

Result Reporting

• Turnaround time for testing will be dependent on testing volumes.
• NCSLPH electronic reports are posted on our CELR and ETOR online system.
  • Set up a CELR Account - Requires the facility’s unique EIN (tax identification number)
  • CELR Tutorial
  • ETOR
  • ETOR Tutorial

Clinical Laboratory Safety Guidance

• Laboratorians should use appropriate precautions when handling specimens that may contain SARS-CoV-2. Timely communication between clinical and laboratory staff is essential to minimize the risk associated when handling specimens from patients with possible COVID-19. Such specimens should be labeled accordingly, and the laboratory should be alerted to ensure proper specimen handling.
• Additional information can be found in the CDC Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

For Additional Information

• For general information, non-urgent laboratory questions about specimen collection, testing, and reporting please email the NCSLPH COVID-19 helpdesk at slph.covid19@dhhs.nc.gov.
• For critical laboratory-related questions during normal business hours (8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday) please call the SLPH Customer Service line at 919-733-3937.
• Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.
• Providers needing consultation can call the epidemiologist on call at 919-733-3419.

External Resources

• NC DHHS COVID 19 website
• CDC Information on COVID-19: CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019