BakoDx COVID-19 Virus + Influenza

BakoDx is receiving  specimens and performing COVID-19 Virus and Influenza A/B testing.

Patients

Healthcare Providers

  • To inquire about using our lab for diagnostic testing, complete and submit the form at the bottom of this page.
  • For inquiries outside of COVID-19 testing, please use the Contact Us form.
  • The influenza A/B test portion is not available in NY.

BakoDx Laboratory Testing for COVID-19 Virus & Influenza A/B

BakoID™ COVID-19 and Influenza A/B is a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). The assay utilizes RT-PCR, providing accurate and timely test results. The test detects the presence of the 2019 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A and influenza B RNA in both nasal and nasopharyngeal swab samples. The tests may be ordered together or separately.*

*The BakoID™ Influenza A/B test is not available in NY.

Criteria for healthcare providers for the evaluation of patient testing for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/health-care-professionals.htm. Healthcare providers should use their judgment to determine if a patient should be tested. Confirmation of influenza virus infection by diagnostic testing is not required for decisions to prescribe antiviral medication, according to the CDC.

COVID-19 Virus + Influenza Test Information

BakoDx will provide specimen collection supplies as available. Facilities may also utilize their own supplies provided they meet the specifications outlined below.

Accepted Sample Collection

  • Nasal swab
  • Nasopharyngeal swab
  • Oropharyngeal swab (When ordering COVID-19 test only, not available for flu)

Accepted Swabs (in appropriate media)

  • Synthetic, flocked swabs

Swabs NOT Accepted

  • Dry swabs
  • Wood shaft swabs
  • Calcium-alginate tip swabs
  • Swabs with preservatives

Accepted Transport Media

  • Any universal transport media (UTM), viral transport media (VTM),   or sterile saline in 1mL or 3mL volume

View Illustrated Guides Here

Nasal Swab Instructions

  • Tilt patient’s head back 70 degrees.
  • Insert swab into 1 nostril straight back (not upwards, until resistance is met at turbinates).
  • Gently rotate it in a circular motion several times against nasal wall. Slowly remove swab while rotating it.
  • Repeat this step for the second nostril using the same swab.
  • Place tip of swab into 1-3 mL of sterile Transport Media tube. Bend/cut/snap the applicator stick as appropriate.

Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab Instructions

  • Tilt patient’s head back 70 degrees.
  • Insert swab into nostril along the palate extending straight back until the posterior nasopharynx is reached (swab should reach depth equal to distance from nostrils to outer opening of ear).
  • Gently rotate it in a circular motion several times and keep it in place for 10 seconds.
  • Slowly remove swab while rotating it.
  • Repeat this step for the second nostril using the same swab.
  • Place tip of swab into 1-3 mL of sterile Transport Media tube. Bend/cut/snap the applicator stick as appropriate.

Oropharyngeal (OP) Swab Instructions (When ordering COVID-19 test only, not available for flu)

  • Insert swab into mouth to contact the posterior pharynx and tonsillar areas (avoid the tongue, teeth and gums).
  • Place tip of swab into 1-3 mL of sterile Transport Media tube. Bend/cut/snap the applicator stick as appropriate.

Be sure to secure the cap. Leaking containers will not be able to be processed.

  • Specimens can be stored at 2-8°C for testing within 72 hours of collection. Refrigerated specimens received outside of this 72 hour window cannot be processed. Specimens may also be frozen (-20° C).

  • Cold packs/pouches should be used if placing specimens in a lockbox for courier pick-up.

  • A BakoDx test requisition form must accompany each specimen.

  • Two patient identifiers are needed on the requisition and the specimen.

  • Label specimen on Transport Media tube and ensure cap on tube is tightly sealed to prevent leakage (Use a bar code or permanent marker for labeling).

  • SARS-CoV-2 samples should be packed according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations and in compliance with regulations for UN3373 Biological Substance, Category B.

  • Causes for Rejection:

    – Incomplete requisition form

    – Specimens beyond the acceptable length of time from collection as listed above

    – Specimens not kept at appropriate temperature requirements

    – Specimen types other than those listed in the Sample Collection Accepted section

    – Leaking containers

  • Results are available within 24-36 hours of when the sample is received at the lab.
  • The most effective way to receive test results is to be set up with a BakoDx online portal account.
  • If EMR integration is required, our technical department can assist.

COVID-19 Test Results

Not Detected

Not Detected (COVID): In cases of a “not detected” result in a patient with persistent COVID-19 symptoms, repeat analysis would be recommended to exclude the unlikely possibility of a false negative result.

Invalid

Invalid (COVID): No signal by qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and assay control in the clinical specimen. This may be due to inhibition of qPCR reaction by interfering substance(s) in the sample submitted for testing or inadequate sample acquisition or degradation following collection. A retest should be considered.

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INFLUENZA Test Results

Not Detected

Not Detected (Influenza): In cases of a “not detected” result in a patient with persistent flu-like symptoms, repeat analysis would be recommended to exclude the unlikely possibility of a false negative result.

Invalid

Invalid (Influenza): No signal by qPCR for Flu RNA and assay control in the clinical specimen. This may be due to inhibition of qPCR reaction by interfering substance(s) in the sample submitted for testing or inadequate sample acquisition or degradation following collection. A retest should be considered.

  • COVID Virus Cash Pay Price: U0003 and U0005 $100 / Test
  • Influenza A/B PCR Test: Please contact us.

Getting Started with BakoDx COVID-19 Virus and Influenza Testing

  • Complete and submit the form at the bottom of this page
  • Email us: COVID19Test@bakodx.com
  • Call us at: 1-855-422-5628

Other Resources

Request COVID-19 Virus + Influenza Testing

If you are a healthcare provider or administrator of a healthcare facility and are interested in having testing provided by BakoDx, please provide your contact information below and someone will reach out to you soon.

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    Disclaimer: BakoDx, as a partner to your practice, provides learning resources to help you better serve your patients. The information contained within this document should be used at a physician’s discretion. BakoDx assumes no liability for its content.

    COVID-19 + Influenza A/B Test Statements:

    The BakoID COVID test was developed at BakoDx and validated using clinical samples. All validation studies were performed in accordance with the USFDA’s Guidance Document (Policy for Diagnostics Tests Coronavirus Disease-2019 during the Public Health Emergency) issued on February 29th, 2020. This test and its characteristics were initially submitted to USFDA on 4/20/2020 for review. BakoDx is regulated under CLIA as qualified to perform high-complexity testing. This test is used for clinical purposes. This test should not be regarded as investigational or limited to research, but it has not been cleared or approved by the FDA.

    The BakoID Influenza test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Bako Diagnostics. This laboratory is regulated under CLIA and
    qualified to perform high-complexity testing. This test is used for clinical purposes. This test should not be regarded as investigational or limited to research, but it has not been cleared or approved by the FDA.

    The BakoID Influenza test is not available in NY.