Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Nasopharyngeal Swab

Specimen must arrive within 2 hours of collection.

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 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. Return swab to transport tube.

6. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Slides

1. Using a lead pencil, write patient’s name on frosted/coated end of slide(s).

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

6. Rolling swab across non-frosted end of slide(s), spread a thin layer of cells. Make at least 2 slides.

7. Allow slides to air dry.

8. Place slides in plastic slide holder.

9. Label holder with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Urine

Specimen must arrive within 3 hours of collection.

12 mL from a random urine collection.

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.