Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Sterile culture swab

Specimen Volume: Entire specimen

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect specimen before start of administration of antimicrobial therapy.

2. Remove cap and swab from tube.
3. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening of mouth as wide as possible.
4. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab doesn’t touch oral mucosa or tongue.
5. If patient has complained of 1 spot being sore, swab that area well.
6. In 1 continuous motion:
a. Swab 1 tonsillar area up then down.
b. Move to back of throat as far down as possible, and swab there.
c. Move to other tonsillar area and swab.
d. Swab behind uvula, and remove swab.
7. Return swab to transport tube, pushing swab into transport fluid.

8. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and source of specimen.
9. Place tube in a biohazard bag and seal.

Additional Information: Specimen source is required.