IDEXX Reference Laboratories
IDEXX SARS-CoV-2
(COVID-19) RealPCR Test
For rare cases in consultation with your public health authority
In rare cases where the three specific criteria below are met, this test offers veterinarians the opportunity to bring pet owners the peace of mind that their pet is negative or intervene and provide their patient with highest standard of care should they test positive.
- The pet is living in a household with a human who has COVID-19 or has tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus
- The pet has already been tested for more common infections that have been ruled out by a veterinarian
- The pet (especially cats and ferrets) is showing clinical signs consistent with COVID-19
For use in rare cases to confirm or rule out COVID-19 infection in pets
Leading health authorities and IDEXX veterinarians agree that transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is primarily person to person and advise against testing asymptomatic pets. In symptomatic pets, it is more likely that disease is caused by a more common respiratory infection than by COVID-19.14
While there is currently no evidence that dogs or cats play a role in transmitting the disease to humans, growing clinical evidence suggest there may be varying levels of susceptibility to infection in animals. Recent peer-reviewed research also showed cats and ferrets may be more susceptible to clinical infections while dogs generally seem more resistant to infection.8-11
When to test
Leading health authorities and IDEXX veterinarians agree that transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is primarily person to person and advise against testing asymptomatic pets. In symptomatic pets, it is more likely that disease is caused by a more common respiratory infection than by COVID-19.14
IDEXX's guidance, aligned with that of medical experts, is that veterinarians should only order the IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test when recommended by a public health authority and these three specific criteria are met:
- The pet is living in a household with a human who has COVID-19 or has tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus
- The pet has already been tested for more common infections that have been ruled out by a veterinarian
- The pet (especially cats and ferrets) is showing clinical signs consistent with COVID-19
For more detailed information, please see our diagnostic update.
IDEXX wholly endorses the recommendation of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) found on their website that states, ‘If a new, concerning illness is observed that cannot be otherwise explained, and the companion animal has had close and prolonged contact with a person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection, the veterinarian should contact a state public health veterinarian or designated health official to discuss whether or not there is a need to test that animal for COVID-19.’
How to order
Instructions for submitting specimens for the IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test
World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) issued the following guidance:
“Clinical (non-propagated) samples from suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases are assigned to UN 3373, Biological Substance, Category B, unless the countries of origin, transit, or destination have issued national recommendations defining them otherwise.”
The shipping material and the packaging instructions that we provide for any regular sample are in line with UN 3373. Please strictly follow these instructions and don´t hesitate to contact us, should you have any questions.
Not an IDEXX customer? Please contact a representative for assistance in setting up an account.
Test names and codes
Test code: COVIDP |
IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test |
Test code: COVIDPFU |
IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test Follow upFollow up on a prior RealPCR test or panel |
Please use VetConnect PLUS for the test ordering or write the test code manually on the order form.
Test for more common causes of respiratory illness to be considered prior to testing for SARs-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Feline Upper Respiratory Profile (RealPCR Panel)
Chlamydia felis, Feline Calicivirus FCV, Feline Herpesvirus 1 FHV-1 (quantitative), Mycoplasma felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica
| Test Code – POAK |
Canine Respiratory Profile (RealPCR Panel)
Canine Adenovirus Type 2, Canine Distemper Virus CDV quantitative), Canine Herpesvirus CHV-1, Canine Parainfluenza Virus, Canine Influenza Virus, Canine Respiratory Coronavirus, Mycoplasma cynos, Bordetella bronchiseptica
| Test Code – POAH |
Specimen submission guidelines
SARS-CoV-2 specimen collection guidelines
It is encouraged that you consult with your state public health veterinarian for the latest guidelines on safely collecting specimens prior to testing for SARS-CoV-2 in a pet. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, mask, gown and eye protection is recommended when collecting specimens from a pet in which SARS-CoV-2 infection is suspected.
The ideal specimen should be based on clinical presentation and purpose for testing.
- For respiratory manifestations: deep pharyngeal swab (with visible organic material on swab; please rub firmly) and a conjunctival swab (wipe eye clean, swab inside of eyelid). If the patient is cooperative, a swab from the caudal nasal cavity may also be included. Please submit dry, plastic-stemmed swabs, without transport media; keep refrigerated.
- For gastrointestinal manifestations: 3-5 g (1 g minimum) fresh faeces in a sterile container and deep pharyngeal swab (with visible organic material on swab; please rub firmly) and a conjunctival swab (wipe eye clean, swab inside of eyelid). Please submit dry, plastic-stemmed swabs, without transport media; keep refrigerated.
- No distinct clinical signs (e.g. public health investigations): 3-5 g (1 g minimum) fresh faeces in a sterile container and deep pharyngeal swab (with visible organic material on swab; please rub firmly), conjunctival swab (wipe eye clean, swab inside of eyelid) and caudal nasal swab.
Specimen requirements
Deep pharyngeal swab (with visible organic material on swab; please rub firmly) and a conjunctival swab (wipe eye clean, swab inside of eyelid). Please submit dry, plastic-stemmed swabs, without transport media; keep refrigerated.
Additional specimens for IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR test: if the patient is cooperative, a swab from the caudal nasal cavity may also be included. If gastrointestinal signs are present, also include 3-5 g (1 g minimum) fresh faeces in a sterile tube.
Reporting requirements
What are the reporting requirements for a positive IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test?
COVID-19 is an internationally reportable disease. If a positive SARS-CoV-2 result is detected, the IDEXX RealPCR team will provide essential information as required by applicable law to public health and/or veterinary authorities. The submitting veterinarian is also responsible for reporting the positive result and plays a critical role in providing the additional clinical details and history of the patient. Positive IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR tests will be further confirmed at a third-party government laboratory, according to regulatory guidance.
Support and resources
Ordering your tests online
Did you know that you can search for diagnostic tests, create requisition and review status on vetconnectplus.se?
Turnaround time
Preliminary results in 2–3 days; allow additional time for confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive results.
Customer support services
IDEXX supports your practice with our customer support, technical support and medical consulting services team, including our diagnostic support veterinarians and board-certified specialists.
08 51 989566
What is PCR?
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing identifies the presence of a pathogen’s DNA or RNA in a patient specimen. PCR is highly sensitive and specific testing that can confirm the actual presence of an organism.
PCR results facilitate early detection of disease in sick animals:
- Often positive in infected animals before an antibody can be detected
Additional resources
White paper: Clinical evidence suggesting varying levels of susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus infection in animals
Diagnostic resource: Coronavirus diagnostic update, April 2020
Public health and other non-customer inquiries: Click here
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). www.cdc.gov/COVID19. Accessed April 16, 2020.
- World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019. Accessed April 16, 2020.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. COVID-19: What veterinarians need to know. www.avma.org/coronavirus. Accessed April 16, 2020.
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). The new coronavirus and companion animals—advice for WSAVA members. www.wsava.org/news/highlighted-news/the-new-coronavirus-and-companion-animals-advice-for-wsava-members. Accessed April 16, 2020.
- Ong SWX, Tan YK, Chia PY, et al. Air, surface environmental, and personal protective equipment contamination by serve acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from a symptomatic patient [published online ahead of print March 4, 2020]. JAMA. 2020;e203227. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.3227
- van Doremalen N, Bushmaker Y, Morris DH, et al. Aerosol and surface stability of SARS-COV-2 as compared with SARS-CoV-1. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(16):1564–1567. doi:10.1056/NEJMc2004973
- Wan Y, Shang J, Graham R, Baric RS, Li F. Receptor recognition by the novel coronavirus from Wuhan: An analysis based on decade-long structural studies of SARS coronavirus. J Virol. 2020;94(7):e00127-20. doi:10.1128/JVI.00127-20
- Shi J, Wen Z, Zhong G, et al. Susceptibility of ferrets, cats, dogs and other domesticated animals to SARS-coronavirus 2. Science. 2020;eabb7015. doi:10.1126/science.abb7015
- Kim Y, Kim SG, Kim SM, et al. Infection and rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in ferrets [published online ahead of print April 5, 2020]. Cell Host Microbe. 2020;S1931-3128(20)30187-6. doi:10.1016/j.chom.2020.03.023
- Questions and answers on the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Surveillance and events in animals. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) website. www.oie.int/en/scientific-expertise/specific-information-and-recommendations/questions-and-answers-on-2019novel-coronavirus. Updated April 9, 2020. Accessed April 16, 2020.
- USDA Cases of SARS-CoV-2 in Animals in the United States. USDA Animal and Plate Health Inspection Service website. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/dashboards/tableau/sars-dashboard. Updated February 15, 2021. Accessed March 16, 2021.
- OIE Statement on COVID-19 and Mink. OIE World Organisation for Animal Health website. https://www.oie.int/en/for-the-media/press-releases/detail/article/oie-statement-on-covid-19-and-mink/. Accessed March 16, 2021.
- Low-level of infection with COVID-19 in pet dog [news release]. Hong Kong: Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; March 4, 2020. www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/04/P2020030400658.htm. Accessed April 16, 2020.
- Journal of Small Animal Practice (2020), 1-7: Frequency of respiratory pathogens and SARS-CoV-2 in canine and feline samples submitted for respiratory testing in early 2020. doi: 10.1111/jsap.13300.
PCR testing is a service performed pursuant to an agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.