Referred Tests6 Things You Need to Know When Testing for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
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By Andy Tofilon
In May, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed two cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the United States. MERS affects the respiratory system (lungs and upper airway). According to the CDC, most MERS patients have developed severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
To ensure health care providers know how to handle suspected cases, the Mayo Clinic Virology Laboratory advises the following steps for testing:
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NOTIFYNotify the epidemiologist at your state department of health for approval to send specimen(s) to the state health laboratory for testing. |
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COLLECTIf approval is obtained, collect the samples required for submission. The samples recommended by CDC for MERS-CoV testing include (in order of priority):
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RULE OUTMolecular testing to rule-out other respiratory viral infections (e.g., influenza A/B, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus) is available through Mayo Medical Laboratories. |
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DO NOT SEND VIRAL CULTURES
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PACKAGE IT UP
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LEARN MOREAdditional information on MERS-CoV is available on the CDC website. |
