Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Throat

Container/Tube: Culturette swab in sterile transport tube

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Remove cap and swab from tube.

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

3. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab doesn’t touch oral mucosa or tongue.

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

5. In 1 continuous motion:
A. Swab 1 tonsillar area up then down.
B. Move to back of throat as far down as possible and swab there.
C. Move to other tonsillar area and swab.
D. Swab behind uvula and remove swab.
6. Return swab to transport tube.

7. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
 

Collection instructions: Rectal

1. Insert the swab about 4 cm.

2. Gently move the swab in a circle 2 or 3 times, touching the walls of the rectum.

3. Return swab to transport tube.

4. Wash your hands with soap and water.

5. Label tube with Patient's first and last name, MRN, date and time of collection, specimen type.