Specimen Requirements

Submit Both of the following specimens:

• CRE/CPO screening
  • Rectal swab specimen collected using a Copan™ dual swab
    1. Remove dual swab from plastic packaging, being careful not to touch the cotton tips.
    2. Carefully insert both swab tips approximately 1cm beyond the anal sphincter and gently rotate against the walls of the rectum 3 times.
    3. If swab is contaminated with an excessive amount of feces (swab fibers no longer visible and/or shaft coated with stool), then discard swab and recollect.
    4. Remove cap from tube and insert dual swab into tube. Firmly push down to close.
    5. Label tube with test barcode label or write patient’s first and last name, date of birth, date/time of collection, and sample type.
    6. Forward swab to the laboratory as soon as possible.
    7. If delays occur, maintain swab at 15-28°C (room temperature). Testing must be performed within 5 days of collection.
• Candida auris screening
  • Axilla and Groin swab specimen collected using an eSwab™(contact laboratory and allow up to 24 hours for eSwab to be received from MDH).
    1. Remove eSwab from plastic packaging, being careful not to touch the cotton tip.
    2. Using the same single eSwab, rub both armpits firmly back and forth 5 times on each side. Target the crease where the arm meets the body.
    3. With the same swab used on the axilla, rub both sides of the patient’s groin, targeting the inguinal crease where the leg meets the pelvis. Swab each side of the groin back and forth 5 times.
    4. Remove the cap from the eSwab transport tube. Avoid spilling any of the liquid inside the tube. Insert the swab (inoculated side down) all the way to the bottom of the tube. Carefully break the shaft of the swab off at the indicator line and tightly replace cap.
    5. Label tube with test barcode label or write patient’s first and last name, date of birth, date/time of collection, and sample type.
    6. Forward swab to the laboratory as soon as possible.
    7. If delays occur, store swab at 4°C, or on ice. Testing must be performed within 4 days of collection.