Collection Instructions

Submit only one of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal swab (NP)
Container/Tube: UTM with NP swab or Saline kit with NP swab
Collection Instructions:

• Tilt the head of the patient, gently insert the swab through one of the nostrils and into the nasal passage.
• Rotate the swab tip several times across the mucosal surface.
• Remove the swab and insert into the red top tube of viral transport medium (UTM) immediately.
• Push the swab into the tube and break the plastic shaft swab at the break line.
• Replace cap and screw on tightly.
• Label specimen with at least 2 patient identifiers (usually name and date of birth)

Transport Temperature: Refrigerated

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate
Container/Tube: Viral Transport Media (UTM)
Collection Instructions: If possible, obtain specimen during the acute phase of the illness during the greatest amount of viral shedding.

• Nasopharyngeal wash-volumes of 2-3 mL are recommended. (Excessive wash volumes may decrease the sensitivity of the assay).
• Place specimen in viral transport media (UTM).
• Label specimen with at least 2 patient identifiers (usually name and date of birth)
• Transport within 24 hours.

Transport Temperature: Refrigerated

Unacceptable specimens include: anaerobic gel swabs, charcoal swabs, wooden shafted swabs, calcium alginate swabs, cotton swabs, bronchial washes and lavages and throat swabs.