COVID-19 Specimen Collection and Packing

When a COVID-19 specimen is collected:

• Laboratory personnel should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that includes:
• disposable gloves,
• surgical mask,
• anti-fluid gown, and
• eye protection when handling potentially infectious samples.
• When collecting a respiratory sample from a suspected patient, the use of N95 masks is highly recommended.
• After sample received, decontaminate work surfaces and equipment with the appropriate disinfectants.