MRSA by PCR

  Specimen Collection and Transport

 To obtain adequate specimen, follow the instructions in this section closely.

1. Open the specimen collection swab by peeling back the outer packaging.


2. Ask the patient to tilt his/her head back. Insert dry swab approximately 1–2 cm into each nostril.


3. Rotate the swab against the inside of the nostril for 3 seconds.  Apply slight pressure with a finger on the outside of the nose to help assure good contact between the swab and the inside of the nose.


4. Using the same swab, repeat for the second nostril, trying not to touch anything but the inside of the nose.


5. Remove the plastic transport tube.  Twist off the tube cap and discard it.  Place the swab into the plastic transport tube. The swab should go all the way into the tube until they rest on top of the sponge at the bottom of the tube. Make sure the cap is on tightly. 


6. Label the plastic transport tube with patient ID and send to the laboratory.


7. Store swab specimen at room temperature (15-30ºC) if it will be processed within 24 hours, otherwise store swab at 2-8ºC. The swab specimen is stable up to 5 days when stored at 2-8ºC.