As an immediate action to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, laboratories are ramping up testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. To date, a number of test variants have emerged. Even though the most common remains throat swabs, some national bodies are also conducting antibody tests that require blood to be drawn and analyzed. Irrespective of the type of test, the accuracy of the results depends on the integrity of the samples taken from a suspected case. From their collection to the laboratory, the clinical specimens must be handled with the greatest care.

This paper summarizes the storage and transport conditions mandated by the WHO.