Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Nasal

Container/Tube: Sterile culture swab or mini-tip swab in sterile culture transport tube

Specimen Volume: Swab
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. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube.

5. Label tube with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or Social Security number, and date and time of collection.

6. See Swab Collection and Transport Guide in Special Instructions for additional information.

Additional Information: Specimen source is required.