Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Body Fluid
1. Submit body fluid in a screw-capped, sterile tube.
2. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note: 1. Specimen source is required.
2. See Microbiology in Special Instructions.
Respiratory
1. Collect specimen using a nasopharyngeal swab.
2. Holding swab between thumb and forefinger of 1 hand and sheath in other hand, give soft wire a 10° to 20° bend. This slight curve fits nose better, making procedure more comfortable for patient.
3. Slide swab along floor of nose (hand down by patient’s chin to start swab) with very light pressure to nasopharyngeal wall.
4. Rotate swab, leave in place for 1 minute, and remove along floor of nose.
5. Specimen should be placed directly onto transport media.
6. Label swab with patient’s name (first and last), date and time of collection, and type of specimen.
7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note: 1. Specimen source is required.
2. Collected only in physician’s office. Laboratory staff will collect only if necessary.
3. See Microbiology in Special Instructions.
87077-Aerobic isolate (if appropriate)