Question: Can we send SARS-CoV-2 specimens to the CDC to confirm the accuracy of our LDT?

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Laboratory Testing and COVID-19
section_headers: For All Laboratories: Test Developers
My facility created a laboratory-developed test (LDT) to detect SARS-CoV-2. We need to have the first five positive and negative specimens confirmed. Can we send these specimens to CDC?
section_content: Laboratories using an LDT to detect SARS-CoV-2 should confer with their state
public health laboratory for assistance. If the state public health laboratory
cannot assist, contact respvirus@cdc.gov.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Tells people to try contacting their state's public health services first, then email the CDC as a last resource.
This answer does not relate to sending in samples to the CDC.

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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:
Provides general guidance on handling coronavirus samples, but doesn't specify whether the CDC will accept them.
This answer does not address if one can send COVID-19 specimen to the CDC.

Reviewer ratings:
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Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
section_headers: Testing, Diagnosis, and Notification
Do existing commercially available multiple respiratory virus panels detect SARS-CoV-2?
section_content: Yes. There are commercially developed respiratory panels with multi-pathogen
molecular assays that can detect respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2,
influenza, and other human coronaviruses that can cause acute respiratory
illness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a list of tests
that includes viral tests with Emergency Use Authorizationexternal
icon (EUA).

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Lists approved tests for diagnosing coronavirus, but doesn't specify whether the CDC can perform tests on samples.
This answer does not match with the question of sending in COVID-19 specimen.

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