Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Culturette II collection swab in sterile culture transport tube

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Specimen source is required.

2. Remove cap and swab from tube.

3. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening of mouth as wide as possible.

4. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab doesn’t touch oral mucosa or tongue.

5. If patient has complained of 1 spot being sore, swab that area well.

6. In 1 continuous motion:

A. Swab 1 tonsillar area up then down.

B. Move to back of throat as far down as possible, and swab there.

C. Move to other tonsillar area and swab.

D. Swab behind uvula and remove swab.

7. Return swab to sterile culture transport tube, and crush ampule to ensure specimen preservation.

8. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.

9. Rejection criteria include delay in transport of >48 hours.