Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

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)
6. Snap off at the score mark and securely screw on cap of UTM
7. Label the UTM with a printed specimen label at the patient’s bedside.  Alternatively, the UTM may be hand-labeled with the patient’s name, Date of Birth, Specimen Source and Date/Time of collection.  
8. Place individual UTM 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. 

Bronchial Alveolar Washing, Bronchial Washing, or Transtracheal Aspirate

1. Specimens are usually collected by a physician.

2. Collect specimen in a sterile aspirate trap.

Lung Aspirate or Biopsy

1. The physician-collected specimen may be placed directly in viral transport medium or in a screw-capped, sterile container, if more convenient.

2. Add sterile saline to keep specimen moist.

Nasopharyngeal Aspirate

1. Collect an aspirate specimen (1 mL to 2 mL) using a sterile technique.

2. Add specimen directly to viral transport medium.

Bronchial Alveolar Washing, Bronchial Washing or Transtracheal Aspirate, Lung Aspirate, Lung Biopsy or a Nasopharyngeal Aspirate-Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen. Be sure lid is secure so container will not leak during transit. Send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. Specimen source and clinical information are required on request form for processing.