Additional Specimen Collection Information

Flexible flocked nasopharyngeal swab in universal transport
media. The flocked swab and UTM kit is available from the
laboratory by calling 563-589-2431. The specimen must be transported
to the lab at refrigerated temperature using cold packs, wet ice or
other refrigerant coolants.

Collect the nasopharyngeal swab:

1. Open the sterile, flexible mini-tipped swab package and remove
   the swab.
2. Tilt the patient’s head back (head should be inclined
   from vertical).
3. Gently insert the sterile swab along the nasal septum just
   above the floor of the passage to the nasopharynx until resistance
   is met.
4. Rotate the swab gently against the nasopharyngeal mucosa for
   10-15 seconds and then gently remove the swab.
5. Insert the swab into the UTM tube pushing it all the way to the
   bottom of the tube.
6. Holding the swab shaft close to the rim of the tube and point
   the tube away, break the swab shaft along the pre-scored breakpoint
   indentation.
7. Label the specimen appropriately with two identifiers, patient
   name and another identifier, (patient ID number, DOB, etc.) include
   specimen source, date and time of collection.
8. Transport the specimen to the laboratory immediately after
   collection. When transporting specimens, use cold pack, wet ice or
   other refrigerant coolants. If specimen testing will be delayed the
   specimen in UTM may be held at room temperatue (18-30 C) for up to
   4 hours, at refrigerator temperature (2-8 C) for up to 3 days, or
   at freezer temperature (<-15 C) for up to 30 days.