Collection Instructions

UCMC Collection Instructions

Specimen Source: Flocked nasopharyngeal swab; 1 specimen/day

Specimen Collection: Kit consists of flocked nasopharyngeal swab and viral transport media.

1. Tilt the patient’s head back 70 degrees.
2. Insert the flocked swab through the nostril parallel to the palate (not upwards) until resistance is encountered and the swab reaches a depth equal to the distance from the nostrils to the outer opening of the ear.
3. Rotate the flocked swab 2-3 times and hold the swab in place for 5-10 seconds to ensure maximum absorbency.   Specimens can be collected from both sides using the same swab, but it is not necessary to collect specimens from both sides if the minitip is saturated with fluid from the first collection.
4. Put the swab in the viral transport media and break the shaft at the designated breakpoint.
5. Tightly close the lid.

Specimen Transport: Ambient temperature if< 2 hr, transport refrigerated if >2 hrs from time of collection.

Specimen Source: Flocked Nasal swab; 1 specimen/day

Specimen Collection: Kit consists of regular-sized flocked swab and liquid Amies transport media.

1. Tilt the patient’s head back 70 degrees.
2. Insert the flocked swab into the nasal passage until a slight resistance is met at the turbinates (about 2 cm into the nostril).
3. Rotate the flocked swab 2-3 times and hold the swab in place for 5-10 seconds to ensure maximum absorbency.  Swab both nostrils with the same swab.
4. Put the swab in the transport media and break the shaft at the designated breakpoint.
5. Tightly close the lid.

Specimen Transport: Ambient temperature if< 2 hr, transport refrigerated if >2 hrs from time of collection.

Microbiology Specimen Collection Tables
Please see link  for Microbiology Specimen Collection Tables;

• Category “Respiratory Upper”, Table 1 BACTERIOLOGY, CHLAMYDIA, MYCOLOGY, MYCOBACTERIOLOGY (AFB), VIROLOGY