Specimen Requirements

Collect specimen  from the afftected area using the swab provided in the BD ESwab Collection and Transport System.^TM .  Be sure not to touch below the red breakpoint line to avoid contamination.

1. Aseptivally unscrew and remove the cap from the tube.

2. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening of mouth as wide as possible.

3. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab does not touch tongue.

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.

     D. Swab behind uvula and remove swab.

6.  Insert the swab into the tube and bend the swab shaft at the breakpoint indicated by the red line marked on the swab shaft, against the tube to break the shaft.  Discard the broken handle part of the swab shaft.  

7. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), MR# or DOB, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

8. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

      ESwabs are acceptable up to 48 hours after collection