Question: How should Covid 19 specimens be handled safely?

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Biosafety and COVID-19
section_headers: Specimen Handling
How should personnel transport suspected or confirmed SARS CoV-2 specimens within a facility?
section_content: Personnel should adhere to standard procedures associated with other
respiratory pathogens, such as seasonal influenza and other human
coronaviruses, when they transport specimens within a facility. Personnel
should perform site- and activity-specific risk assessments to determine if
enhanced biosafety precautions are warranted based on situational needs.
For additional information, refer to the following:

Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Laboratory biosafety guidance related to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).pdfpdf iconexternal icon


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Discussing personnel safety while handling coronavirus specimens.
It (rightly) assumes the worker is familiar with specimen handling. Gives gentle reminders about protocols and provides links relevant to the persons position.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Biosafety and COVID-19
section_headers: Specimen Handling
What is the recommended biosafety level for handling suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patient specimens?
section_content: Routine viral testing of patient specimens, such as the following activities,
can be handled in a BSL-2 laboratory using Standard Precautions:
• Using automated instruments and analyzers
• Staining and microscopic analysis of fixed smears
• Examination of bacterial cultures
• Pathologic examination and processing of formalin-fixed or otherwise
inactivated tissues
• Molecular analysis of extracted nucleic acid preparations
• Final packaging of specimens for transport to diagnostic laboratories for
additional testing. Specimens should already be in a sealed, decontaminated
primary container
• Using inactivated specimens, such as specimens in nucleic acid extraction
buffer
• Electron microscopic studies with glutaraldehyde-fixed grids
For additional information, refer to the following:

CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panelexternal icon
Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens Standardexternal icon


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Gives detailed information for handling coronavirus specimens, but doesn't focus on safety.
This is geared more towards the lab professional handling the samples but needs to provide handling details and lose the testing recommendations.

Reviewer ratings:
Acceptable
Could be Improved

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Biosafety and COVID-19
section_headers: Specimen Handling
How should specimens be stored?
section_content: Store specimens at 2-8oC for up to 72 hours after collection. If a delay
occurs in extraction, store specimens at -70oC or lower. Store extracted
nucleic acid samples at -70oC or lower.
For additional information, refer to the following:

Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings
CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panelexternal icon


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Gives instructions for storing coronavirus specimens but doesn't specifically address safety.
This is about storing specimens. The question is about handling (which comes before storing). This answer needs relevant information added as well as links that are relevant.

Reviewer ratings:
Acceptable
Could be Improved