Specimen Requirements

Specimen must be delivered to laboratory within 24 hours of collection.

Container/Tube:  ESwab culture transport system

Specimen:  Swab of anterior nares

Collection instructions:  Nares are the only acceptable specimens:  Insert ESwab approximately 2 cm (3/4 inch) into one nares.  Gently apply pressure to the outside of the nose with a gloved finger.  Rotate the swab against the anterior nasal mucosa for 3 seconds.  Using the same swab, repeat for the other nares.  Place swab into collection tube; DO NOT discard transport fluid in tube.

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.