Specimen Requirements

Nasal Secretions

1. Obtain nasal specimen using a culture transport swab.

2. Remove cap with swab attached. Holding swab between thumb and forefinger of 1 hand and sheath in other hand, give soft wire a 10° to 20° bend. This slight curve fits nose better, making procedure more comfortable for patient.

3. Slide swab along floor of nose (hand down by patient’s chin to start swab) with very light pressure to nasopharyngeal wall.

4. Rotate swab and remove along floor of nose.

5. Place swab in culture transport tube.

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

7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Sputum

1. 5 mL of sputum (not saliva) from a first-morning, “deep cough” sputum specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container. No preservative.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.