Retrospective SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time PCR Testing of Stored Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples from February 2020

Bronchoalveolar lavage samples (n=34) collected in February, 2020 prior to the wide availability of molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 were retrospectively assayed for presence of viral RNA. None of these patients qualified for SARS-CoV-2 testing based on Centers for Disease Control criteria at the time. None of the samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that the virus was not yet widespread in Minnesota at the time these samples were obtained.