Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: ThroatContainer/Tube: Sterile polyester swab supplied in test kit recommended (swab from other manufacturers has not been validated).Rayon transport swab containing modified Stuart’s or Amies liquid medium is also acceptable.Specimen Volume:SwabCollection 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 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 transport tube.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.Additional Information:If culture is desired, a second swab must be sent by using a culturette collection swab.