Influenza A and B Virus Rapid Antigen

Specimen source is required.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal

Container/Tube: Nasopharyngeal swab in sterile culture transport tube

Collection Instructions:

1. Insert nasopharyngeal swab beneath inferior turbinate of either nare and vigorously rub and roll against mucosal surface.

2. Return swab to transport tube to ensure specimen preservation.

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

Alternate

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal aspirate

Container/Tube: Viral transport media vial

Collection Instructions:

1. Insert a depressed bulb syringe deeply into either nare and suction while withdrawing.

2. Expel collected specimen into viral transport media vial.

3. Label vial 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

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.