Specimen Information

Specimen Requirements and Collection:

Label all specimens with the patient name and the collection date.

Transport Temperature:  Refrigerated

Upper respiratory tract (performed at UVMMC)

Use only synthetic fiber swabs with plastic shafts. Do not use calcium alginate swabs or swabs with wooden shafts, as they may contain substances that inactivate some viruses and inhibit PCR testing.

1. Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab collection:

• Insert the tip of the floqswab swab into a nostril to obtain a specimen from the posterior nasopharynx.
• Pass the NP swab through the nares. Do not force the swab; Resistance will be felt when the posterior nasopharynx is reached.
• Rotate the swab and leave it in place for 10-30 seconds or until the patient coughs 
• Withdraw the swab and place in the viral transport media. Make sure liquid medium covers the swab tip.
• Break or cut the end of the swab and screw the vial lid on tightly

2. Anterior Nares (AN) Swab:

• Pass the AN swab into the nostril no more than ¾ of an inch and rotate the swab for 15 seconds to collect as much nasal discharge.
• Withdraw and using the same swab, repeat the first step in the other nostril with the same end of the swab.
• Withdraw the swab and place in the viral transport media. Make sure liquid medium covers the swab tip.
• Break or cut the end of the swab and screw the vial lid on tightly.

Lower respiratory tract (performed at a reference lab, not at UVMMC)

1. Bronchoalveolar lavage, tracheal aspirate:

• Collect 2-3 mL into a sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap sterile container.