Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Nasal, mucous, or sputum

Container/Tube: Sterile container or microscope slide(s)

Collection Instructions:

Nasal:

1. Patient should blow nose into thin plastic sheet or parafilm.

2. If secretion is scattered on thin plastic sheet, use end of slide to scrape secretion to a central point.

3. Holding plastic in one hand with 1 finger under secretion, pass slide over it for smear.

4. Tease the secretion out with a toothpick or forceps.

5. Make 2 or 3 slides, specimen permitting.

Other Sources: Submit specimen in sterile container.

Additional Information: specify exact specimen source.