COVID-19 Testing FAQ

Individuals with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

According to the CDC, symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. According to the CDC, people with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

This list is not all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

For the most current information regarding COVID-19 symptoms, please refer to the CDC Symptoms webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

CRL offers multiple testing solutions for determining COVID-19 status:

CRL Rapid Response™

A saliva-based PCR molecular test, which is authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), that can be self-collected and shipped to our lab when determined to be appropriate by a healthcare provider. Results of the test can confirm if the virus is detected in the saliva of an individual.

CRL Rapid Response is a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test intended for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva specimens. For more information, please see the Rapid Response FDA EUA Summary which describes the rRT-PCR reagents and instrumentation used for testing: https://www.fda.gov/media/140661/download

CRL Antibody Testing

CRL offers a venipuncture serum antibody test that is administered by a health professional and shipped to the lab for testing. This Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 test is authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Results of antibody testing can confirm the presence, or lack of, COVID antibodies in the individual. All positive antibody tests should be reflexed to a molecular test to confirm if active virus is present.

Please visit crlclear.com to register your kit. For a step-by-step video tutorial of the kit registration and sample collection process, please visit: www.crlcorp.com/covid-19-testing/videos

NOTE: The laboratory will be unable to process your sample unless the kit is registered at crlclear.com. For molecular saliva-based tests, make sure to adhere barcode label sticker to the saliva tube before shipping sample to the lab.

Your kit includes a transport bag and a pre-labeled Clinical Reference Laboratory transport box. Package your sample as instructed and drop off at any FedEx Ship Location. Or you can request that your sample be picked up by scheduling a time with FedEx. In the United States, call FedEx at 1-800-463-3339 for pickup. Specify you have a prepaid shipment for overnight delivery.

Note: Saliva samples must be shipped within 24 hours of collection.

If you live in the Kansas City Metro area, samples can be dropped off at our laboratory in Lenexa, KS.

Your result will be delivered directly to you via phone – mobile or landline – as soon as it is available. If you provided a telephone number during registration, you will be contacted via text, or voice message when the result is available. Before viewing the result, you will be prompted to complete a dual factor authentication process.

Click on the Result link to view additional information and to print a copy of your laboratory report.

To print a confirmation of a “Not Detected” test result, click on “Get Passport” on the results page.

Molecular Test: CRL Rapid Response is a saliva-based PCR molecular test that detects the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2.  Results are reported as “Detected” (positive) or “Not Detected” (negative).

Antibody Test: Antibody results are reported as reactive (positive) or non-reactive (non-detected). Antibody testing provides evidence that a patient may have been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The antibody test does not provide a quantitative result (i.e. antibody titer) nor differentiation of the sub-types. It does not exclude the possibility of a recent infection.