Specimen Requirements and Collection

Specimen Requirements and Collection:

       1.  Label all specimens with the patient name and the collection date.

       2.  Transport Temperature:  Refrigerated

Use only synthetic fiber swabs with plastic shafts. Do not use calcium alginate swabs or swabs with wooden shafts, as they may contain substances that inactivate some viruses and inhibit PCR testing.

1. Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab:

• Pass the NP swab through the nares. Resistance will be met, and this will confirm contact with the nasopharynx.
• Rub the swab tip several times across the mucosal surface. This will loosen and collect cellular material. Allow a time of contact of up to 30 seconds.
• Withdraw the swab and place in the viral transport media. Make sure liquid medium covers the swab tip.
• Break or cut the end of the swab and screw the vial lid on tightly.

2. Anterior Nares (AN) Swab:

• Pass the AN swab into the nostril no more than ¾ of an inch and rotate the swab for 15 seconds to collect as much nasal discharge.
• Withdraw and using the same swab, repeat the first step in the other nostril with the same end of the swab.
• Withdraw the swab and place in the viral transport media. Make sure liquid medium covers the swab tip.
• Break or cut the end of the swab and screw the vial lid on tightly.