Abstract: Objective We analyzed nucleic acid test results of 336 suspected novel coronavirus cases, and provided laboratory diagnostic evidence for novel coronavirus pneumonia control in Huainan. Methods According to the requirements of the "New Coronavirus Prevention and Control Plan （Fourth Edition, Fifth Edition）" promulgated by the general office of the National Health Commission, samples of throat swab and sputum were obtained from 336 suspected novel coronavirus cases in Huainan and laboratory nucleic acid detection were performed. The age, gender distribution, association between time after symptom onset and positive rates and specimen types were analyzed. Results From discovery to zero diagnosis in Huainan（from January 24, 2020 to February 19, 2020） , 336 suspected novel coronavirus cases were tested. The total number of positive nucleic acid test cases was 27, and positive rate was 8.04% （If any result of throat swab or sputum specimen is positive, the case is determined to be positive）. Of the 27 positive cases, 19 were familial aggregation. The youngest age of positive cases was 15 years, the oldest age was 78 years, and the median age was 40 years. Positive case was present in 15 （55.56%） males and in 12 （44.44%）females. Male: female ratio was 1.25∶1. The detection time for positive nucleic acid test cases was mainly 1st to 14th days from onset of symptoms, and the average onset time for positive nucleic acid tests was 5 days. Sputum specimens showed a higher positive rate than throat swabs. Sputum specimens showed a lower cycle threshold （Ct） value than throat swabs. 26 of 27 positive cases were mild and 1 was severe. As of 2nd March, 23 of 27 cases had been discharged from hospital, and the other 4 cases remained in stable condition. Conclusion The analysis of 336 novel coronavirus nucleic acid test results in Huainan would be useful for early diagnosis of COVID-19. When deciding on laboratory diagnosis and discharge criteria for COVID-19 patients, negative result of throat swab could not be used as exclusion criteria for infection and cure. It is necessary to test both patient's throat swab and sputum specimen at the same time for comprehensive judgment. Strengthening personal hygiene management and disinfecting crowded closed public places, is highly conducive to the prevention and control of COVID-19.

Key words: SARS-CoV-2, Nucleic, acid, detection, Positive, rate, Real-time, PCR