Specimen may be refrigerated for up to 24 hours until transport to Laboratory.
Swab (non gel) or Nasopharyngeal Aspirate or Washing
Pediatrics
May use RSV collection kit available from laboratory (directions included) if swab sample is difficult to obtain, or RSV testing is co-ordered.
Note: Specimen should be collected by physician, not laboratory personnel.
Children/ Adults
Swab (non gel) is specimen of choice. If nasal washings are desired, may use Influenza kit (available from Laboratory) or, with patient’s head hyper-extended, instill about 2.5 mL of sterile, normal saline into nostril with a syringe. To collect aspirate/washing, place a clean, dry, screw-capped cup (urine cup) directly under nose with slight pressure on upper lip. Tilt head forward and allow fluid to run out of nostril into container. Repeat for other nostril, and collect fluid into same specimen container.
Note: 1. Specimen source is required.
2. Specimen should be collected by physician, not laboratory personnel.
Immunochromatographic Membrane Assay
Negative for influenza A
Negative for influenza B
Monday through Sunday
Available STAT
87276-A
87275-B