Question: What is the proper procedure to handle COVID-19 specimens?

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:
Clearly explains what procedure to use when handling coronavirus specimens.
This answer vaguely mentions testing, but it really doesn't talk about how to handle specimens.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Could be Improved

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 some specific recommendations for how to handle specimens and links to more extensive guidelines.
This passage is mostly about testing, but a bit does say something about how the specimens should be contained.  There could be more information.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
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 specific instructions for handling coronavirus specimens and links to more detailed information.
I think it does a good job in explaining how specimens should be stored.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent