Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal

Container/Tube: 1 or 3 ml Viral Transport Media (VTM), or 3 ml saline

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 or 3 ml saline.  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

Collection Instructions for Nasal Swab Sample (Antigen Testing Only)

1. Prior to collecting the nasal swab, the patient should be instructed to blow their nose.

2. Carefully insert the swab (provided in the kit) into the nostril that presents the most secretion under visual inspection.  Using gentle rotation, push the swab until resistance is met at the level of the turbinates (less than one inch into the nostril).

3. Rotate the swab several times against the nasal wall then remove it from the nostril.

4. Place nasal swab immmediately into a plastic collection vial. Break the shaft at the notch. Replace cap.