Physician Office Specimen Requirements

1. Obtain specimen using 2 sterile rayon swabs. Single swab submission will have only the 48-hour culture performed.

2. Remove cap and swab from tubes.
3. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening of mouth as wide as possible.
4. If patient has complained of 1 spot being sore, swab that area well.
5. 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.
6. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.

7. Swab with wooden shaft, calcium alginate, or cotton tip is not acceptable.

8. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
9. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.