Specimen Requirements

Specimen source is required. Submit only 1 of the following specimens:Nasopharyngeal aspirate specimen must arrive in laboratory within 4 hours of collection.Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal aspirateContainer/Tube:Sterile containerSpecimen Volume:Entire collectionCollection Instructions: 1.Label container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.2. Rejection criteria includedelayed transport of >4 hours or leaking container.Nasopharyngeal swab specimen must arrive inlaboratorywithin 1 hour of collection.Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal swabContainer/Tube:Sterile polyester, rayon, foam, or cotton flexible shaft swabSpecimen Volume:SwabCollection Instructions: 1.Insertswab into posterior nasopharynx through nostril and rotate slowly for 5 seconds.2.Place swab in paper wrapper or sterileculture transporttube.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.4.Rejection criteria includesdelayed transport.5. Calcium alginate swab is not acceptable.Nasopharyngeal wash specimen must arrive in laboratory within 4 hours of collection.Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal washContainer/Tube:Sterile containerSpecimen Volume:3-4 mLCollection Instructions:1.Label container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.2. Rejection criteria includedelayed transport of >4 hours or leaking container.