Specimen Requirements

Collection Instructions:

1. Remove mini-tip Eswab from its packaging (see ESwab instructions below).
2. Insert sterile flocked NP swab provided through a nare, parallel to the palate, until resistance is met by contact with the nasopharynx. 
3. Allow contact for a few seconds or longer (coughing might be induced)
4. Rotate several times to collect a mucosal epithelial specimen and slowly withdraw to remove the swab.
5. Label the transport tube with patient name, identifying number, specimen source, date and time of collection and collector’s initials.

Instructions for Collection Using Nasopharyngeal (green cap) ESwab:

1. Open the ESwab peel pouch
2. Remove the FLOQSwab from the pouch
3. Collect the sample, making sure fingers are above the red molded breakpoint
4. Uncap the ESwab tube
5. Place the FLOQSwab in the ESwab tube
6. Break the FLOQSwab applicator shaft at the molded, color marked breakpoint, ensuring that fingers are always above the breakpoint
7. Recap the ESwab tube

Note:  Contraindications to nasopharyngeal culturing are epiglottitis and recent nasal surgery.  A complication of culturing is epistaxis (nosebleed).