Specimen Requirements

Specimen source is required. Submit only 1 of the following specimens: 

Nasopharyngeal aspirate or wash specimen must arrive in laboratory within 4 hours of collection. Specimen should be placed in sterile container or tube. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection. Rejection criteria include delayed transport of >4 hours or leaking container. 

Nasopharyngeal swab specimen must arrive in laboratory within 1 hour of collection. Acceptable swabs are sterile polyester, rayon, foam, or cotton flexible shaft swab. Calcium alginate swab is not acceptable. Collection Instructions: 1. Insert swab into posterior nasopharynx through nostril and rotate slowly for 5 seconds. 2. Place swab in paper wrapper or sterile culture transport tube. 3. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection. Rejection criteria include delayed transport.