Specimen Requirements

Preparation of Patient:

None

Container Type:

ESwab - Regular Flocked Swab w/Liquid Amies Medium

Specimen Type:

Throat Swab Collection - ESwab

Specimen Volume:

300 μL

Specimen Collection/Handling/Transport:

1. Open ESwab sample collection pouch and remove the tube and swab
2. Collect the sample from patient
   1. Have patient tilt head back for better visualization of the throat and say "Ah" to reduce gag reflex.
   2. Use a tougue depressor to avoid touching tongue, cheeks and teeth with swab.  Swab the posterior pharynx, tonsils, and other inflamed areas. 
3. Unscrew and remove the cap making sure not to spill the medium
4. Place the swab into the tube and break the swab at the indicated score line.
5. Replace cap on the tube and secure tightly.
6. Write patient full legal name (last, first), date of birth, collection date/time, and specimen source on the tube.
7. Transport ambient room temperature or refrigerated 2 - 8°C if > 4 hours

Specimen Stability/Storage:

4 hours ambient room temperature

3 days refrigerated 2 - 8°C