Specimen Requirements

Preferred:

Nasal specimen may be placed in Viral Universal Transport Media for increased sample stability of  8 hours at 18-25ºC  and 24 Hours at 2-8ºC .

Specimen Collection:

►  Nasal Swab Sample:

For optimal test performance with a nasal swab specimen It is important to obtain as much secretion as possible.  Therefore, to collect a nasal swab sample, insert the sterile swab into the nostril that presents the most secretion under visual inspection.  Using gentle rotation, push the swab until resistance is met at the level of the turbinates (less than one inch into the nostril).  Rotate the swab a few times against the nasal wall.

Sample Transport and Storage

Specimens should be tested as soon as possible after collection.  The UTM samples is stable for up to 24 hours refrigerated at 2-8ºC  

Note: the following media are not acceptable for Rapid Influenza testing:  Calcium Alginate and Puritan Purflock Ultra Flocked swabs.