Physician Office Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube:  Calcium alginate swab

Specimen:  Swab of nasopharyngeal

Collection Instructions:  1. Gently slide swab along floor of nose with very light pressure to nasopharyngeal wall.

2. Rotate swab slowly for 5 seconds to absorb secretions and remove along floor of nose.

3. Place swab in transport media.

5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note:  Label container with patient’s full name and 1 additional unique patient identifier such as date of birth, medical record number, emergency ID number, date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.