COVID-19

Northwest Laboratory is a national clinical laboratory offering high-volume, rapid turnaround COVID-19 testing services. Our seasoned staff of pathologists, scientists, technologists and support personnel are committed to delivering high-quality test results within 24-48 hours of receipt at our facility.

As an organization, we are aware that the topic of COVID variants has become of concern, and we will continue to service our clients, community and general public with COVID-19 testing that includes detection of the Omicron Variant. We perform RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 that detects signals from 3 different SARS-CoV-2 genes (S, N, and ORF1a/b).

• The Omicron variant has a mutation in the S gene that causes the gene signal to be lost. However, the remaining two gene signals are still present. This is called SGTF (S gene target failure) or S gene dropout.
  
• A RT-PCR test result which shows the remaining two gene signals, but not the S gene signal, is a positive result that is highly likely to be Omicron based on our knowledge at this time (the same situation was noted for the alpha variant [UK Variant], which also has an S gene mutation).
• RT-PCR is routinely performed for all SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing offered by ADx Health and performed by Northwest Laboratory and provides a rapid ability to detect specimens that are likely to be Omicron.
• Northwest Laboratory will not report the presence of a specific variant; only whether the sample is positive or negative for SARS-CoV2.
• Positive SGTF specimens will be sent to the Washington State Department of Health Laboratory for whole genome sequencing and variant identification.

With the emergence of any new variant, we advise the public to follow CDC recommendations on how to protect yourself and others.