Specimen Requirements

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

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal

Container/Tube: Sterile nasopharyngeal swab; red-top culturette tube

Collection Instructions:

1.Remove cap with swab attached. Holding swab between thumb and forefinger of 1 hand and sheath in other hand, give soft wire a 10° to 20°bend. This slight curve fits nose better, making procedure more comfortable for patient.

2. Slide swab along floor of nose (hand down by patient’s chin to start swab) with very light pressure to nasopharyngeal wall.

3. Rotate swab and remove along floor of nose.

4.After collection, swirl swab in culturette tube. Express fluid from swab against side of tube. Discard swab, and cap tube.

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

Specimen Type: Nose

Container/Tube: Sterile swab insterile culture transport tube

Collection Instructions:

1. Gently insert swab about 1 inch into nose.

2. Rotate against nasal wall and remove swab.

3. Return swab to sterile culture transport tube.

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