Specimen Requirements

Specimen source is required.
Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal swab-nylon flocked preferred

Container/Tube:  Viral Transport media (VTM)

Specimen Volume: Nylon flocked swab preferred

Collection Instructions: 

1. Collect specimen using a mini-tipped swab.

2. Carefully insert the swab into the nostril that presents the most secretion under visual inspection.

3. Keep the swab near the septum floor of the nose while gently pushing the swab into the posterior nasopharynx.

4. Rotate the swab several times and remove it from the nasopharynx.

5. Return swab to viral transport media if available or to pre-moistened transport tube.  Dry swab is not acceptable.

Additional Information

1. Label tubes with patient's name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and source/type of specimen.