Specimen Requirements

Call Chilton Hospital Microbiology Laboratory at 973-831-5000, ext. 5670 to obtain nasopharyngeal swabs.

Specimen source is required.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Nasal wash

Container/Tube: Blue, conical tube

Specimen Volume: 4 mL

Collection Instructions:

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

2. Place tube in a biohazard bag and seal.

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.

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

6. Place tube in a biohazard bag and seal.

Specimen Type: Nose

Container/Tube: Sterile culture swab

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.