Collection

Patient Preparation:

• Swab nasopharyngeal space with the swab, avoid touching outside of the nostril. Place swab into Universal or Viral Transport Medium and break swab at indicated break point.
• Nasal Washing may be collected into sterile container.

Specimen Type:

• Nasopharyngeal swab in Universal or Viral Transport Medium. (Preferred)
• Nasal wash in sterile container. (Acceptable)

Minimum Volume:

• Nasopharyngeal swab in UTM/VTM: entire swab with Transport Medium.
• Nasal wash: 1mL

Reasons for Rejection:

• Non-sterile container or does not meet collection, storage, or transport requirements.

• Calcium alginate, cotton-tipped, swabs sent in gel, or liquid Aimes (eSwab) collection may interfere with testing and will be rejected.