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 Direct Load tube Collection Kit (includes transport media and swab)

Collection Instructions:

1. Don proper PPE.

2. Insert swab from Aptima Direct Load 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.