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For respiratory virus testing sent to Microbiology Lab:

1. Use flocked swab/Universal Transport Medium for collection.
2. Insert swab into the nostril, gently rotating the swab inward until resistance is met at the level of the turbinates.
3. Rotate the swab a few times against the nasopharyngeal wall (approximately 10 sec) and then withdraw swab.
4. Insert swab into container with Universal Transport Medium. Break end of swab so top of vial can be screwed on securely.
5. Appropriately label specimen and send to the laboratory.

Collection of Nasopharyngeal Specimens with the Swab Technique

Collection of Nasopharyngeal Specimens, animated video