Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Cepheid Xpert Swab Collection Kit

Specimen Volume: Swab of throat

Collection Instructions: Collect specimen as follows:

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

2. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab does not touch oral mucosa or tongue.

3. If patient has complained of 1 spot being sore, swab that area well.

4. In  one continuous motion:

     Swab one tonsillar area up then down.

     Move to back of throat as far down as possible, and swab there.

     Move to other tonsillar area and swab.

     Swab behind uvula and remove swab.    

3. Immediately place the swab into the transport reagent tube.

4. Break the swab at the score line and tighten cap.

5. Invert or gently shake tube 3-4 times to elute material from swab. 

6. Leave specimen at 2-30 C after collection.

Note: Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), and date of birth.