Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab

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

Swab
1. Obtain UTM viral 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 UTM viral 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.

87502 - Flu PCR (EAP 30621305)