Collection Instructions

Preferred

Specimen Type: Nares (Nostril)
Container/Tube: UTM Universal Transport Media (UTM) Kit with Flocked Swab [ITM1186125]

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal (NP)
Container/Tube: UTM Universal Transport Media (UTM) Kit with Mini-Swab [ITM1140078]

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS 

NASOPHARYNGEAL SWAB COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

• If possible, obtain specimen during the acute phase of the illness during the greatest amount of viral shedding. 
• When performing a nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 testing or screening, you must wear the appropriate PPE for Severe Respiratory Precautions: face shield or goggles, mask, gown and gloves.

(Link) Nasopharyngeal Collection

• Tilt the head of the patient, gently insert the swab through one of the nostrils and into the nasal passage.
• Rotate the swab tip several times across the mucosal surface.
• Remove the swab and insert into the viral transport medium (UTM) tube immediately.
• Push the swab into the tube and break the plastic shaft swab at the break line.
• Replace cap and screw on tightly. Ensure cap is secured! Leaky specimens may erase patient/specimen information on label!
• Label specimen with at least 2 patient identifiers (usually name and date of birth)
• Send to lab immediately 
  • If off-site keep specimen refrigerated

NASAL SWAB SELF COLLECTION OR OBSERVATION INSTRUCTIONS

(Link) Nasal swab self-collection or observation

OFF-SITE/OUTPATIENT TRANSPORTATION INSTRUCTIONS

• Upon collection make sure the specimen is properly labeled.

  • Link: 2 patient identifiers

  • Link: Label placement guide

• Place in the plastic priority transport bag that came with the collection kit
  • One labeled specimen
  • Fully completed requisition with patient insurance information (if patient billing)
• Immediately refrigerate specimen after collection. Keep specimen at refrigerated temperature after collection to delivery. 
  • Note: there should be one specimen only per plastic priority transport bag.  A secondary, larger plastic bag may be used to transport multiple priority transport bags.
  • Cold packs/pouches should be used in a Styrofoam, or similar type cooler, to transport priority transport bags containing specimens. It is imperative to keep specimen bags dry.