Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Sterile swabs in sterile transport tubes

Specimen Volume: Swab of each nare

Collection Instructions: Collect specimen as follows:

1. 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 procedure more comfortable for patient.
2. Slide swab along floor of 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. Place swab in sterile transport tube.

Note: 1. Label tubes with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
2. Specimen source is required.