Additional Specimen Collection Information

Obtain a Cepheid sample collection device (Copan double transport swab).

1. If possible, have the patient blow their nose prior to sample collection.
2. Open the Cepheid collection device by peeling back the outer packaging.
3. Do not separate swabs; use both swabs.
4. Ask the patient to tilt his/her head back.
5. Insert both dry swabs approximately 1-2 cm into one of the nostrils.
6. Rotate the swabs against the inside of the nostril for 3 seconds.
7. Apply slight pressure with a finger on the outside of the nose to help assure good contact between the swab and the inside of the nose.
8. Using the same swabs, repeat for the second nostril, trying not to touch anything but the inside of the nose.
9. If the patient has a nasogastric tube, do not swab the nostril containing the tube; swab only the open nostril.
10. If lubricant has recently been placed in the nostril, make sure the patient blows their nose before collection.
11. If there has been recent surgery of the nose, use the nostril that was not operated upon.
12. If both nostrils have had recent surgery, contact the laboratory before collecting a specimen.
13. Twist off the cap of the plastic transfer tube and discard it.
14. Place the swabs into the plastic transport tube.
15. The swabs should be all the way into the tube until they rest on top of the sponge at the bottom of the tube.
16. Make sure the red cap is on tightly.
17. The swabs should stay attached to the red cap at all times.
18. Label the plastic transport tube with the patient name, patient identification number, date & time of collection and the initials of the nurse who collected the specimen.
19. Swab specimens can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
20. The swab specimen is stable up to 5 days when stored refrigerated.