Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Nasopharengeal Swab

Container/Tube: Viral Transport Media

Collection Instructions:

1. Label specimen with patient’s full name, date of birth,

     date & time of collection, and name of person collecting.

2. Rub the swab tip several times across the mucosal surface. This will loosen

     and collect cellular material. Allow a time of contact of up to 30 seconds.

3. Pass the NP swab through the nares. Resistance will be met, and this will

     confirm contact with the nasopharynx.

4. Withdraw the swab and place in the viral transport media. Make

     sure liquid medium covers the swab tip.

5. Break or cut the end of the swab and screw the vial lid on tightly.