Additional Specimen Collection Information

Specimens to be assayed are obtained by standard methods for the collection of nasopharygeal washes, aspirates and swabs, as well as tracheal aspirates. Lab personnel are not responsible for collecting specimens. This is a nurse or physician collected specimen.

• Nasopharyngeal (npg) wash:     

1. Tip the patient's head back to approximately a 70° angle.
2. Using a syringe or suction bulb, dispense 1 to 2 mL of 0.9% saline (available from the hospital pharmacy) into the nasopharynx via the nostril.
3. Using a syringe, suction bulb or specimen trap (as in the aspiration method), suction out the fluid immediately.
4. NPG wash specimens of 2 to 4 ml are recommended.

• Nasopharyngeal (npg) aspirate:     
  (this procedure is used if sufficient mucous is not obtained using the wash method.)

1. Mucous is obtained by suction into a specimen vacuum trap. (Traps are available through institutions supplying dept.)
2. The tube from the trap is placed into the nostril and back into the nasopharyngeal area of the nasal cavity.
3. Suction is applied to the other tube on the trap.
4. The mucous is aspirated and trapped in the central specimen container.
5. 0.5 to 1.0 mL of mucous is required.

• Nasopharyngeal swab:

1. Make sure that the patient has no anatomic abnormalities of the nose [deviated septum].
2. Using the Nasopharyngeal Rayon or SP Polyester Fiber Tipped Applicator Swab and without contaminating the tip, curve the wire of the npg swab to the shape of the nasal passage.
3. Tilt the patient's head back, pass the swab gently through the nose into the nasopharynx, rotate, and remove.
4. Return the swab to the package.

Label specimen(s) appropriately with two identifiers, patient’s name and another identifier (patient ID number, DOB, etc.), include specimen source, date and time of collection. Transport specimen to the laboratory as rapidly as possible. When necessary, the specimen may be stored refrigerated. If storage time is to exceed 24 hours freeze the specimen. Transport to the testing site as soon as possible.