Covid-19 Only

Nasal swab specimen collection: Insert a swab into the nostril until the resistance is met at turbinate. Gently rotate and leave the swab in place for a few seconds to absorb secretions. Use the same swab in both the nostrils. Place the swab in the collection tube, snap it at the breakpoint and close the tube tightly to prevent leakage. Oropharyngeal (Throat) swab specimen Collection: Insert swab into the posterior pharynx and tonsillar areas. Rub swab over both tonsillar pillars and posterior oropharynx and avoid touching the tongue, teeth, and gums. Nasopharyngeal swab specimen Collection: Insert minitip swab with a flexible shaft (wire or plastic) through the nostril parallel to the palate (not upwards) until resistance is encountered or the distance is equivalent to that from the ear to the nostril of the patient, indicating contact with the nasopharynx. Swab should reach depth equal to distance from nostrils to outer opening of the ear. Gently rub and roll the swab. Leave swab in place for several seconds to absorb secretions. Slowly remove swab while rotating it. Specimens can be collected from both sides using the same swab, but it is not necessary to collect specimens from both sides if the minitip is saturated with fluid from the first collection. If a deviated septum or blockage create difficulty in obtaining the specimen from one nostril, use the same swab to obtain the specimen from the other nostril.