Specimen Requirements

Nasopharyngeal Swab (Not Nasal Swab)

1. Tilt the head of the patient backwards slightly.  Hold head steady if necessary.
2. Carefully insert the sterile flocked swab horizontally through one of the nostrils into the posterior nasopharynx.
   • The swab should be passed a distance that is halfway from the nose to the tip of the ear – about half the length of the swab.
   • DO NOT FORCE the swab.  If resistance is met, withdraw the swab slightly while keeping it in the nostril.  Elevate the back of the swab and gently move it into the nasopharynx.
3. Gently rotate the swab a total of five (5) times during procedure to collect cellular material
4. Retain in place for 30 seconds to absorb secretions
5. Gently remove the swab and immediately place in the Universal Transport Media (UTM) or saline
6. Snap off at the score mark and securely screw on cap of UTM or saline.
7. Label the UTM or saline with a printed specimen label at the patient’s bedside.  Alternatively, the UTM or saline may be hand-labeled with the patient’s name, Date of Birth, Specimen Source and Date/Time of collection.  
8. Place individual UTM or saline in a biohazard bag separate from other specimens to reduce the chance of cross-contamination
   • If transport will be more than 30 minutes, place the biohazard bag with the specimen in a container of ice
9. Send specimen to the testing department immediately.