Specimen Requirements

Cutaneous and mucocutaneous lesion samples from symptomatic patients must be placed in viral transport medium (UTM) immediately after collection.

Swab

Container/Tube:  Viral/Universal transport swab (UTM)

Specimen:  Flocked swab from advancing edge of active lesion (oral, genital, skin and other mucocutaneous sources). Esophageal brushings will also be accepted.

Collection Instructions:

1.  Carefully, open a fresh lesion with a needle or scapel blade.  Do not collect from crusted lesion.

2.  Cleanse with sterile saline.

3.  Collect cellular material and fluid by vigorously sampling the base of the lesion.

4.  Place into UTM.

5.  Maintain sterility and transport to the lab promptly.

Note:  Label container with patient’s full name and one 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.