Specimen Requirements

1. Obtain specimen using two culture transport swabs. One is for rapid testing and the other is if culture is needed. 
2. Remove cap and swab from tube.
3. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening of mouth as wide as possible.
4. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab doesn’t touch oral mucosa or tongue.
5. If patient has complained of 1 spot being sore, swab that area well.
6. In 1 continuous motion:
A. Swab 1 tonsillar area up then down.
B. Move to back of throat as far down as possible and swab there.
C. Move to other tonsillar area and swab.
D. Swab behind uvula, and remove swab.
7. Return swab to sterile culture transport tube, and crush ampule to ensure specimen preservation. Repeat steps 2-7 for second swab.

8. Label specimens with patient’s name (first and last), hospital identification number or date of birth, date and time of collection, and source of specimen.

9. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. If there is a delay in transport, send specimen refrigerated.

10. Causes for rejection:
A. Inadequately labeled specimen
B. Improper container

Note: Specimen source is required.