Specimen Requirements

Specimen source is required.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Nasal wash/aspirate

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: Entire collection

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

Additional Information: Wash can be held refrigerated for up to 24 hours prior to testing in the BinaxNOW Test.

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal and nasal swab

Container/Tube: Swab-sterile cotton, rayon, foam, or polyester flexible (nasopharyngeal) or polyester solid shaft (nasal)

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions: 

1. Elute swab within 1 hour of collection. Eluted swab specimen can be held refrigerated for up to 24 hours before testing in the BinaxNOW Test. Transport media can be used in place of Binax Elution Solution including saline, M4, M4-RT, or M5.

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

3. Calcium alginate swab is not acceptable.