Specimen Requirements

Order McKesson number 119332

Collect specimen before start of administration of antimicrobial therapy.

Specimen Type: Nasopharynx

Container/Tube: Nasopharyngeal swab

Specimen Volume: Entire specimen

Collection Instructions:

1. Remove cap with swab attached. Holding swab between thumb and forefinger of 1 hand and sheath in other hand, give soft wire a 10° to 20° bend. This slight curve fits nose better, making procedure more comfortable for patient.

2. Slide swab along floor of nose (hand down by patient’s chin to start swab) with very light pressure to nasopharyngeal wall.

3. Rotate swab and remove along floor of nose.

4. Return swab to transport tube, pushing swab into transport fluid snapping off excess swab and recapping tube.

5.Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date, actual time of collection, and source of specimen.

6. Place tube in a biohazard bag and seal.

Specimen Type: Nose

Container/Tube: M4 viral transport media

Specimen Volume: Entire specimen

Collection Instructions:

1. Gently insert swab about 1 inch into nose.

2. Rotate against nasal wall, and remove swab.

3. Return swab to transport tube, pushing swab into transport fluid.

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

5. Place tube in a biohazard bag and seal.