Procedure
- Open sealed package and, with aseptic technique, remove the sterile swab.
- Collect the swab:
- Position patient in a seated position, then tilt the head back so they are looking up at about a 45-degree angle (pretty far back).
- Insert swab into one nostril.
- Press the swab tip to the mucosal surface of the mid-inferior turbinate (lateral wall).
- The rule of thumb is to insert to one-half the distance from the tip of the nose to the tip of the earlobe.
- Briefly rotate swab.
- Leave swab in place for a few second to absorb material.
- Withdraw swab.
- Aseptically remove cap from vial and insert swab into medium.
- Break swab shaft evenly at the scored line to fit in tube well below the cap, and replace the cap, closing it tightly.
- Label the specimen, then place in a sealed biohazard bag.
