SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus (COVID-19), RNA [real-time PCR]

Drink plenty of fluids (still water) 8-12 hours before collecting sputum. For at least 1 hour before a throat swab, do not eat, drink, brush teeth, rinse the mouth/throat, chew gum or smoke. Do not eat for 1-2 hours before the test. For 3-4 hours before nasal/nasopharyngeal swabs, do not use drops/sprays or rinse the nose. Collect the sample in the morning. Collect freely coughed-up sputum from a deep cough. Saliva and nasopharyngeal discharge must not enter the container, as this may distort results. The test is not anonymous; a passport (ID) is required.