Specimen Requirements

Acceptable Specimens:

Nasopharyngeal aspirate, nasopharyngeal swab, or nasopharyngeal washing specimen.

This test is intended for use in symptomatic patients under the age of 5.

Testing is performed as specimens are received. Specimen should be transported as soon as possible. Always use proper infection control procedures when handling patient specimens.

Specimen must arrive within 1 hour of collection. Maximum storage of specimen is 48 hours refrigerated.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Nasopharyngeal Aspirate

1. Aspirate between 0.5 mL and 1 mL of nasopharyngeal aspirate.

2. Transfer aspirate to a sterile, leakproof container.

3. Label container with patient’s information, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

4. Forward specimen promptly.

Note:  1. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

2. Maximum storage of specimen is 48 hours refrigerated.

Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab

1. Insert a Dacron®/rayon swab into posterior nasopharynx through the nostril. (Calcium alginate swab is not recommended for use in this test.)
2. Rotate swab slowly for 5 seconds.
3. Place swab into an empty swab transport tube.
4. Label swab tube (not packaging) with patient’s information, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
5. Forward specimen promptly.

Note:  1. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

2. Maximum storage of specimen is 48 hours refrigerated.

Nasopharyngeal Washing

1. Instruct patient not to swallow during procedure.

2. Hyperextend patient’s head (approximately 70° angle). Suction approximately 3 mL of sterile normal saline into a sterile bulb.

3. Insert bulb into nostril.

4. Instill saline into nostril with 1 squeeze of the bulb and immediately release bulb to collect recoverable nasal washing.

5. Empty bulb into sterile, leakproof container.

6. Repeat above steps on the other nostril.

7. Label container with patient’s information, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

8. Forward specimen promptly.

Note:  1. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

2. Maximum storage of specimen is 48 hours refrigerated.