Nasopharyngeal swab

Follow current PSC procedures for registering patient and preparing test order.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Nasopharyngeal swab (preferred):
1. Obtain M-4 viral transport media or UTM transport media.
2. Collect swab using the following CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines:
a. Tilt patient's head back 70 degrees.
b. Insert swab into nostril.  (Swab should reach a depth equal to distance from nostrils to outer opening of the ear.)
c. Leave swab in place for several seconds to absorb secretions.
d. Slowly remove swab while rotating it.  (Swab both nostrils with same swab.)
e. Place tip of swab into M-4 viral transport media or UTM transport media or 0.5 mL to 1 mL of sterile saline and snap/cut off the applicator stick.
3. Label the tube with the patient’s full name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of collection, initials of the person collecting the specimen, and the specimen source.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at room temperature only.
Note: The specimen source is required on the request form for processing.

Nasopharyngeal Aspirate/Wash (alternate):
1.  Obtain M6™ viral transport media, UTM or eSwab transport system.
2.  Collect > 1.5 mL (minimum volume 0.5 mL) of nasopharyngeal aspirate/wash.
3.  Place the aspirate/wash in the transport media tube.
4.  Label the tube with the patient's full name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of collection, initials of the person collecting the specimen and the specimen source.
5.  Send the specimen refrigerated.
6.  Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note: The specimen source is required on the request form for processing.

Throat Swab (alternate):
1.  Obtain M6™ viral transport media, UTM or eSwab transport system.
2.  Swab the area with the culture transport swab.
3.  Place the swab in the transport media tube.
4.  Label the tube with the patient's full name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of collection, initials of the person collecting the specimen and the specimen source.
5.  Send the specimen refrigerated.
6.  Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note: The specimen source is required on the request form for processing.

87804 - Influenza A Antigen (EAP 30065387)
87804 - Influenza B Antigen (EAP 30065388)