COVID-19 Healthcare Provider Information

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Important Information for Providers

DLO provides our healthcare providers with the latest on COVID-19 testing and collection information.

COVID-19 Molecular Test Code

  • Test Code 39448: SARS-CoV-2 RNA (COVID-19), Qualitative NAAT - This test is a qualitative multi-target molecular diagnostics test that aids in the detection of COVID-19.

There are multiple collection devices that can be used for COVID-19 PCR testing. DLO's preferred collection device is the Anterior Nares (AN) collection swab. Other common collection devices are the Nasopharyngeal and/or Oropharyngeal swab collected in a multi microbe media (M4) VCM, medium (green-cap) tube or equivalent (UTM). For a complete list of other acceptable collection devices, please view DLO's PCR Specimen Collection Device Guidelines.

View the DLO COVID-19 PCR Collection Device Guidelines

Since the beginning of 2021, Quest Diagnostics has launched three new SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) antibody tests, two semi-quantitative spike protein specific tests, and a qualitative nucleocapsid protein specific test.

COVID-19 IgG and IgG/IgM Test Codes

  • Test Code 34499: SARS-CoV-2 Antibody (IgG), Spike, Semi-Quantitative - This test helps identify individuals with antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) spike protein. The semi-quantitative test provides a numerical result, with a level of 1.0 or more as a positive result, indicating an immune response to SARS-CoV-2.
  • Test Code 39749: SARS-CoV-2 Antibody (IgG), Nucleocapsid, Qualitative test - This test is a nucleocapsid protein specific test to detect an immune response to a recent or prior infection with SARS-CoV-2.
  • Test Code 31672: SARS-CoV-2 Antibody (IgG, IgM) panel - This test expands on the IgG antibody offering to include IgM detection. The panel provides for the qualitative detection of IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, with separate results provided for IgM and IgG.

COVID-19, Flu, and RSV Co-Testing Codes

DLO now offers testing for COVID-19, influenza, and/or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with a single specimen. COVID-19, the flu, and RSV can present with similar symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Knowing which infection — or infections — are causing the symptoms will aid in making the best treatment decisions.

The following co-testing panels require a healthcare provider’s order and can be collected in your office or at most DLO Patient Service Centers for asymptomatic patients or those exhibiting cold-like symptoms (no fever or flu-like symptoms).

  • Test Code 97636: SARS-CoV-2 RNA (COVID-19), Qualitative NAAT, Influenza A/B and RSV, Immunoassay - This is a multi-target test that aids in simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
  • Test Code 97637: SARS-CoV-2 RNA (COVID-19), Qualitative NAAT, and Influenza A/B, Immunoassay - This is a multi-target test that aids in simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza A, and influenza B.
  • Test Code 97638: SARS-CoV-2 RNA (COVID-19), Qualitative NAAT, and RSV, Immunoassay - This is a multi-target test that aids in simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

View the DLO COVID-19/Influenza/RSV Immunoassay Collection Device Guidelines

Providers should not refer any patients with active COVID-19 symptoms to a DLO Patient Service Center or other phlebotomy site for specimen collection, but DLO is able to do observed swab collections for patients who don't have active symptoms, as well as blood collections for serology testing.

DLO will continue to provide test services for patients suspected (persons of interest) specimens collected in appropriate healthcare settings, such as physician offices and hospitals.

For more information, please download the DLO COVID-19 Molecular and Serology Testing Information Sheet.

Providers should review the CDC website or contact their public health authority for information to guide their patient management and lab testing for COVID-19.

This is a changing situation and we will provide updates as our plans develop.

FAQs

View the DLO COVID-19 Antibody FAQs for HCPs

What is Coronavirus Disease 2019?
Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 (formally known as 2019-nCoV) is the name for the respiratory syndrome caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

When did DLO begin to offer PCR testing for COVID-19?
DLO began to provide PCR testing for COVID-19 on March 10, 2020.

What is the name of the PCR test?
SARS-CoV-2 RNA (COVID-19), Qualitative NAAT.

How does the PCR test work?
The DLO SARS-CoV-2 RNA, Qualitative Real-Time RT-PCR aids the confirmatory detection of nucleic acid in respiratory specimens of patients meeting the clinical criteria of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for COVID-19 testing.

Where is the PCR test performed?
The test was developed, validated and now performed at our Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease laboratory in San Juan Capistrano, California. DLO can test locally or utilize Quest through their high-complexity laboratories across the United States.

How do I order the COVID-19 PCR test?
Providers may order the test using the 39448 test code. The test must be ordered on a separate requisition from other tests.

What is happening to the previous COVID-19 PCR test codes?
Individual order codes 39433 and 39444 are being replaced by the single order code and will no longer be orderable effective May 4, 2020.

How fast will doctors get results back?
We expect results to be available 2-4 days from the time of specimen pickup; however, timing may be impacted by high demand.

Is the test approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?
The test has not been FDA cleared or approved or authorized. The test has been validated according to CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments), but FDA’s independent review of this validation is pending.

Does DLO collect PCR specimens from persons under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 or with confirmed COVID-19 at its Patient Service Center or other phlebotomy sites?
No. DLO does not collect, process or transport specimens from PUI or patients confirmed with COVID-19 at our Patient Service Centers or other phlebotomy sites.

Will DLO perform standard diagnostics testing (non-COVID-19) for PUI and confirmed COVID-19 patients using specimens collected in non-Quest Diagnostics settings, such as physician offices or hospitals?
Yes. Specimens collected at physician offices, clinics or hospital settings may be forwarded per normal logistics processes to DLO.

Can patients order this directly, such as through QuestDirect?
Yes, there are options for specimen collection at most DLO Patient Service Centers throughout Oklahoma. Visit questhealth.com for more information.

When did DLO begin to offer IgG testing for COVID-19?
DLO began to provide IgG testing for COVID-19 on April 21, 2020.

What is the name of the IgG test?
SARS-CoV-2 Serology (COVID-19) Antibody (IgG), Immunoassay.

Where is the IgG test performed?
The test is performed the DLO Central Laboratory in Oklahoma City.

How do I order the COVID-19 IgG test?
Providers may order the test using the 39504 test code. The test must be ordered on a separate requisition from other tests.

How fast will doctors get results back?
We expect results to be available 2-4 days from the time of specimen pickup; however, timing may be impacted by high demand.

Is the test approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?
The test has not been FDA cleared or approved or authorized. The test has been validated according to CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments), but FDA’s independent review of this validation is pending.

Does DLO collect IgG specimens at its Patient Service Center or other phlebotomy sites?
Yes. DLO will collect specimens at any of our 45 statewide patient service centers or by a DLO in-office phlebotomist

Can patients order this directly, such as through QuestDirect?
Yes, patients have the option to self-order this test through QuestDirect. QuestDirect includes physician oversight for ordering and consultation through PWN Health.

Are masks or other personal protective equipment required for visitors to DLO locations?
Masks are recommended, but not required to enter a DLO facility.

Helpful Coronavirus Links

Still have questions?

For answers to more questions about COVID-19, healthcare providers and patients are welcome to call 866-404-1550, the national call center provided by Quest Diagnostics. This call center can provide answers to many questions, but they cannot provide answers regarding patient results.