Collection Instructions

Submit only one of the following specimens

Preferred

Specimen Type: Bronchoalveolar Lavage, BAL

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Preferred Volume to Collect: 5.0 mL

Minimum Volume to Collect: 1.0 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Label container with patient’s full name and birthdate or Spectrum Health MRN. Also include specimen source.
2. Collect the lavage (not less than 1-2 mL of fresh, unfixed material) in a sterile, leak-proof container. 
3. Indicate on the order site lobe and pertinent clinical data (i.e. clinical impression, past diagnosis, radiographic findings and history of radiation or chemotherapy should be included in the order.) 
4. Label specimen with at least 2 patient identifiers (usually name and date of birth)
5. Refrigerate if there will be a delay in reaching the laboratory.

Specimen Type: Sputum

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Preferred Volume to Collect: 5.0 mL

Minimum Volume to Collect: 1.0 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Morning collection is preferred.
2. Rinse mouth with water or saline prior to collection
3. Collect four or five deep coughs in a sterile specimen container.
4. Place cap on the container.
5. Label with orders (include source: sputum).
6. Label specimen with at least 2 patient identifiers (usually name and date of birth)
7. Deliver to lab immediately.

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal Swab (NP)

Container/Tube: 3-mL UTM/Swab set (UTM medium with Regular Flocked Swab)
Collection Instructions:  

1. Label container with patient’s full name and birthdate or Spectrum Health MRN. Also include specimen source.
2. Tilt the head of the patient, gently insert the swab through one of the nostrils and into the nasal passage.
3. Rotate the swab tip several times across the mucosal surface.
4. Remove the swab and insert into the red top tube of viral transport medium (UTM) immediately.
5. Push the swab into the tube and break the plastic shaft swab at the break line.
6. Replace cap and screw on tightly.
7. Label specimen with at least 2 patient identifiers (usually name and date of birth)
8. Send to lab immediately

Acceptable

Specimen Type: Vesicular fluid

Container/Tube: Viral Transport Media (UTM)

Collection Instructions:

1. Remove vesicular fluid from the lesion via aspiration with a 26 or 27-guage needle attached to a tuberculin syringe.
2. Transfer directly into viral transport media (UTM).
3. Replace cap and screw on tightly.
4. Label container with patient’s full name and birthdate or Spectrum Health MRN. Also include specimen source.

Specimen Type: Tissue

Container/Tube: Screw-top, sterile container. Viral Transport Media (UTM) may be used if immediate transport is not available.

Collection Instructions: 

Store at 2-8° C. Specimens must be received by Spectrum Health Laboratory within 24 hours of collection. Freeze at –70° C if transport exceeds 24 hours.

Label specimen with at least 2 patient identifiers (usually name and date of birth)

Note:

• Creams, ointments, lotions, ice, alcohol, Betadine solution, zinc, or a sitz bath reduces viral recovery.
• Blood introduced into specimen can be inhibitory.
• Calcium alginate swabs or swabs with wooden shafts should not be used because they may inhibit Herpes viral replication.