Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Swab
Collection Instructions: 

1. Obtain specimen using a culture transport swab.
2. Remove cap and swab from tube.
3. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening of mouth as wide as possible.
4. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab doesn’t touch tongue.
5. If patient has complained of 1 spot being sore, swab that area well.
6. In 1 continuous motion:
     A. Swab 1 tonsillar area up then down.
     B. Move to back of throat as far down as possible and swab there.
     C. Move to other tonsillar area and swab.
     D. Swab behind uvula and remove swab.
7. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube.
8. 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.
9. Maintain sterility and forward promptly to laboratory at ambient temperature in sealed biohazard bag.
Note:  Specimen source is required.