Specimen Requirements

Important Note:

Specimens may contain extremely high level of organisms. To avoid crosscontamination during specimen handling, please follow these recommendations.

1. Ensure specimen vials do not come in contact with other specimens

2. Individually bag each vial in a clean biohazard bag

3. Avoid touching the foil tops of the vials

4. Clean specimen processing areas at least once daily with disinfectant

Submit one of the following specimens:

Preferred Specimen Type: Oropharyngeal sample (throat)

Container/Tube:

Aptima Multitest Collection Kit (includes transport media and swab)

Collection Instructions:

1. Don proper PPE.

2. Insert swab from Aptima Multitest Collection kit into the posterior pharynx and tonsillar areas.

3.Rub swab over both tonsillar pillars and posterior oropharynx and avoid touching the tongue, teeth, and gums.

4. Place oropharyngeal swab immediately into the transport media vial that comes with the kit. Aseptically, break swab shaft off near at the notched point on the shaft or aseptically cut shaft near tip to ensure the cap can be secured.

5. Label with patient's name, second unique identifier (e.g. medical record number or date of birth), date and time of collection.

6. Specimen source is required on vial.

Acceptable Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal

Container/Tube:

NP swab  (polyester, rayon, or nylon tipped) and 1 or 3 ml Viral Transport Media (VTM)

Collection Instructions:

1. Tilt patient's head back 70 degrees.

2. Insert swab through the nares parallel to the palate (not upwards) until resistance is encounterd or the distance is equivalent to that from the ear to the nostril of the patient indicating contact with the nasopharynx.

3. Gently, rub and roll the swab. Leave the swab in place for several seconds to absorb secretions before removing.

4. Place NP swab immediately into a sterile vial containing 1 or 3 ml of viral transport media.  Break the shaft at the notch.

5. Label with patient's name, second unique identifier (e.g. medical record number or date of birth), date and time of collection.

6. Specimen source is required on vial.