COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and Influenza A/B and RSV

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab
Collection Container: Universal transport media, viral media, or equivalent
Specimen Volume: 3 mL

1. Tilt patients head back 70 degrees
2. Gently and slowly insert a minitip swab through the nostril parallel to the palate (not upwards) until resistance is encounterd or the distance is equivalent to that from the ear to the nostril of the patient, indicating contact with the nasopharynx.  Swab should reach depth equal to the distance from the nostrils to outer opening of the ear.
3. Gently rub and roll the swab.
4. Leave swab in place for several seconds to absorb secretions.
5. Slowly remove the swab while rotating it.
6. Specimens can be collected from both sides using the same swab, but it is not necessary to collect specimens from both sides if the minitip is saturated with fluid from the first collection.  If a deviated septum or blockage creates difficulty in obtaining the specimen from one nostril, use the same swab to obtain the specimen from the other nostril.
7. Break the swab into the provided transport media for submission to the laboratory.

1. Using a flocked or spun polyester swab, insert the swab 1/2  - 3/4 of an inch inside the nostril.
2. Firmly sample the nasal membrane by rubbing with moderate pressure against as much of the wall of the anterior nares region as possible, moving the tip through a large circular path inside the nostril for 10-15 seconds.
3. Repeat collection with the same swab in the second nostril.
4. Break the swab into the provided transport media for submission to the laboratory

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Undefined