Specimen Requirements

Nasopharyngeal Swab in Viral Transport Media (VTM)

1. Obtain specimen using a nasopharyngeal swab.
2. Remove cap with swab attached. Holding swab between thumb and forefinger of 1 hand and sheath in other hand, give the soft wire a 10° to 20° bend. This slight curve fits nose better, making procedure more comfortable for patient.
3. Slide swab along floor of nose (hand down by patient’s chin to start swab) with very light pressure to nasopharyngeal wall.
4. Rotate swab and remove along floor of nose.
5. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube.
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.
7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.