Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal

Container/Tube:  NP swab in Copan UTM (Universal Transport Medium)/Xpert viral transport media

Specimen Collection:

1. Nasopharyngeal Swab Sample:  It is important to obtain as much secretion as possible.

    a. Using the swab that comes with the UTM carefully insert the swab into the nostril.

    b. Keep the swab near the septum floor of the nose while gently pushing the swab into the posterior

         nasopharynx.

    c. Rotate the swab several times.

    d. With the same swab repeat the process on the other side of the nose.

2. Break the swab off in the UTM media

3. Deliver to the lab immediately.  If testing is delayed refrigerate at 2-8°

4. Please note:  1 swab for both nares