Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube:  Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab submitted in UTM transport media vial only. Use same NP swab collection kit as used for Flu/RSV. Kit contains one NP swab and one UTM transport media vial.

Specimen Volume: 300 uL of inoculated UTM media

Collection Instructions: 1. Have patient blow nose to remove excess nasal secretions.

2. Aseptically insert dry swab through one nostril straight back (not upward) along the floor of the nasal passage until reaching the posterior wall of the naopharynx.

3. Rotate swab gently for 5-10 seconds, then remove.

4. Immediately place swab into the vial with UTM media provided in kit.  Break the swab handle at the score line. The end of the swab will extend above the vial opening.

5. Place cap on the vial by pushing down on the swab tip to bend it down into the vial, then thread the cap on, firmly tightening. Do not over-tighten.

6. Label vial with two patient identifiers (chart sticker or patient’s first and last legal name and birthdate or other identifier), specimen source, and date and time of collection.

7. Transport promptly to the laboratory.
Transport Temperature: Room temperature.  If collected in the office, store and transport refrigerated.

Note: 1. Speciment source is required.

2. Specimen stability:  4 hours ambient, 3 days refrigerated.