Specimen Required

Specimen Type: Nasal cavity swab

Supplies: BD E-Swab (T853)

Container/Tube:

Preferred: BD Liquid Amies Elution Swab (E-Swab)

Acceptable: Copan Liquid Amies Elution Swab (ESwab); Cepheid nasal sample collection device (dual swab in liquid Stuart media); or Copan swab and transport systems (LQ Stuart or LQ Amies) (scored swabs only)

Specimen Volume: Entire collection

Collection Instructions:

1. Ask the patient to blow their nose prior to collection.

2. Use one swab for both right and left nares.

3. Insert the white Dacron swab tip (do not insert any further in) into the anterior nares.

4. Rotate the swab for 3 seconds against the nasal mucosa. Apply slight pressure on the outside of the nose with your finger to ensure good contact.

5. Repeat the process on the other nostril.

6. Insert the swab back into the carrier. The swabs should go all the way into the transport container. Tightly cap the container.

7. Label the transport container with patient label and send refrigerate.