Specimen Requirements

Nasopharyngeal swab specimen in Universal Transport Medium (UTM) or Viral Transport Medium (VTM).

1. Use collection kit containing 1 mL of Universal Transport Medium (UTM) and a flexible plastic shaft 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. Leave in place for 20 to 30 seconds.

4. Rotate swab and remove along floor of nose.

5. Return swab to transport tube.

6. Break off stem, and replace cap on transport tube.

7. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and time of collection, and type of specimen.

8. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature.  If transport will exceed 24 hours refrigerate specimen.

Note:  1. Specimen transported in viral holding media may be referred for viral culture, if requested. Call St. Luke’s Hospital Microbiology Laboratory at 218-249-5319 as soon as possible.