Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal swab

Container/Tube: Universal Viral Transport Medium (red cap)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
2. Collect a nasopharyngeal specimen using a flexible flocked swab provided in Universal Viral Transport Collection System.

3. Break off nasopharyngeal swab in the Universal Viral Transport Medium (red cap) for transport.

4. The specimen is stable for 48 hours refrigerated at 2-8 ⁰C in Universal viral transport media.  If transport to CCLS is >48 hours, specimen should be frozen.

5. Individually bag specimens for transportation to reduce contamination risk.

Due to the sensitivity of this PCR testing, it is highly recommended that precautions be taken to prevent cross contamination when collecting specimens. The CDC has provided guidance at http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/specimen-collection.html.