Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive within 2 hours of collection.

Container/Tube: Swab transport tube(s)
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Collection Instructions: Obtain specimen using a nasopharyngeal swab as follows:

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 the procedure more comfortable for the patient.

2. Slide swab along floor of the 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. Insert swab into moist sponge in swab container to preserve specimen.

5. Label container with patient’s legal name, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Note: Specimen source is required.