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 the Client Liaison (563-690-4129) or Microbiology Dept (563-589-9991). 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.