Nasopharyngeal Specimen Collection

Specimen Collection

Before starting, ensure swab collection equipment is on hand.

You will need:• Nasopharyngeal swab• Transport media in conical tube• Sterile cotton-tipped swab• Biohazard plastic bag• Lab Requisition• Surgical mask• Gloves• Eye protection

Specimen Collection

How do we collect NP specimens?

1. Review procedure for NP swab collection.

2. Check expiry date on NP swab and transport medium. If expired, do not use.

3. Wash hands and put on necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).

Specimen Collection

4. Explain the process to the client and obtain consent to proceed.

5. Seat the client comfortably and tilt head back (at a 70-degree angle) to straighten the passage from the front of the nose to the nasopharynx.

Please Note: The swab seen in this picture does not accurately represent the swab used during NP swab collection.

Specimen Collection

6. Clean nostril if there is a lot of discharge present. Either ask the client to use a tissue to clean out visible nasal discharge or clean with a cotton-tipped swab. Discard swab.

Specimen Collection

7. Remove top of vial containing transport medium.

8. Insert flexible NP swab into cleaned nostril. To position the swab correctly, insert swab to one-half the distance from the tip of the nose to the tip of the earlobe.

Specimen Collection

9. Press the swab tip along the medial part of the septum, along the floor of the nose, until it reaches the posterior nares. Gently rotate the swab back and forth, 4 – 5 times. Allow to sit in place for a few seconds.

Please Note: The swab seen in this picture does not accurately represent the swab used during NP swab collection.

Specimen Collection

10. Withdraw the swab and insert into the transport medium. Break the swab shaft at the score line. Replace the vial top and secure tightly. Check to ensure the vial won’t leak.

11. Remove PPE and wash hands.

12. Label specimen with clients full name, DOB or other unique identifier, and date of collection. Place in a biohazard bag and seal bag.

Specimen Collection

13. Complete test requisition with all

the pertinent information and insert in the pocket on the

outside of the biohazard bag.

Specimen Collection

14. Transport specimen immediately to the laboratory. Note: To maintain optimum viability, the specimen should be refrigerated and transported at 2 – 8 C for processing within 48 hours of collection.