Culture, Upper Respiratory Virus

Specimen source is required.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal washing

Container/Tube: Screw-capped, sterile container

Specimen Volume: Entire collection

Collection Instructions: 

1. Specimen is usually collected by a physician.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal

Container/Tube: Culture transport swab

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions: 

1. Collect specimen by inserting swab into back of nasopharynx and retain in place for 1 minute (timed).

2. Remove swab after 1 minute, place swab in viral transport medium, and break off excess shaft. Do not bend wire over side of tube.

3. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Specimen Type: Sputum; first-morning, deep-cough specimen

Container/Tube: Screw-capped, sterile container

Specimen Volume: 5-10 mL

Collection Instructions: 

1. Do not add alcohol or preservatives.

2. Have patient remove dentures, if applicable.

3. Instruct patient to brush his/her teeth and/or rinse mouth well with water to minimize contaminating specimen with food particles, mouthwash, or oral drugs.

4. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily, then cough deeply and vigorously into container, and collect discharged material.

5. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Specimen Type: Throat

Container/Tube: Culture transport swab in sterile culture transport tube

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions: 

1. Remove cap and swab from tube.
2. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening of mouth as wide as possible.
3. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab doesn’t touch oral mucosa or tongue.
4. If patient has complained of 1 spot being sore, swab that area well.
5. In 1 continuous motion:
a. Swab 1 tonsillar area up then down.
b. Move to back of throat as far down as possible and swab there.
c. Move to other tonsillar area and swab.
d. Swab behind uvula, and remove swab.
6. Return swab to transport tube to ensure specimen preservation.

7. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.