Specimen Requirements

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

1. Remove cap and swab from tube.

2. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening of mouth as wide as possible.

3. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab doesn’t touch tongue.

4. Instruct patient to say “Ahh” (this elevates uvula).

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. Insert swab into moist sponge in swab container to preserve specimen.

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

Note: Specimen source is required.