Specimen Requirements

1. Aseptically collect specimen using BBL^TM CultureSwab^TM Plus supplied from Nursing Unit Pyxis or Laboratory for Outreach Offices. (Specimen submitted in non-sterile container or specimen delayed >4 hours [unless collected on BBL^TM CultureSwab^TM Plus] is not acceptable.)

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. A light focused into the mouth is helpful.
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.
7. Return swab to sterile transport tube to ensure specimen preservation.

8. Label specimen 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.

Note:  1. If fastidious bacteria such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Streptococcus pneumoniae is suspected, specimen should arrive within ≤24 hours of collection.

2. Collect before start of antibiotic therapy whenever possible.

3. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.