Specimen Requirements

Nasopharyngeal Swab in Viral Transport Media (VTM)

1. Obtain specimen using a nasopharyngeal swab.
2. Insert swab into either nostril, passing it into the posterior nasopharynx.

3. Rotate swab by firmly burshing against the nasopharynx several times.

4. Remove and place swab in 3ml of viral transport medium.

5. Break swab at the indicated break lilne and cap teh specimen tightly.
6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth or medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Nasal Swab in Viral Transport Media (VTM)

1. Insert swab 1 to1.5 cm into nostril.

2. Rotate the swb against the inside of the nostril for 3 seconds while applying pressure with a finger to the ouside of the nostril.

3. Repeat with other nostril using the same swab.

4. Remove swab and place into 3ml of viral transport medium.

5. Break swab at the indicated break lilne and cap the spceimen tube tightly.

6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth or medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Nasal Wash/Aspirate

1. Transfer 600µl of the sample into the tube containing 3ml of viral transport medium.

2. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth or medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.