Specimen Type

THROAT SWAB

Preferred: Red Capped Rayon Sawb (Cardinal Health Mod Stuarts or COPAN Liquid Stuarts)

BD Eswab is acceptable if a Rapid Strep Screen is not desired.
 

Specimen Volume: One swab 

Collection Instructions:

1.  Open the package containing the swabs, being careful to not contaminate them.

2.  Have the patient tilt their head back, open mouth and say, "Ahh".  This serves to lift the uvula and reduce the gag reflex.

3.  Depress the tongue using a tongue depressor so the back of the throat can be seen.  Look for areas of inflammation (redness) and exudates (pus-see as white patches).

4.  Rub the swabs up and down the back of the throat and against the tonsillar area.  Ensure to swab any areas of inflammation and/or pus. 

**Try to avoid any other areas inside the mouth.  Presence of other oral flora may yield false negative results due to bacterial overgrowth .**

5.  Remove the swabs (avoiding the tongue, teeth, cheeks, and roof of the mouth) and place them both into the swab transport container.

6.  Label cup with patient name (first and last) or other unique identifier, patient hospital
identification number,  date and time of collection, collector initials,  specimen source (throat) and test(s) being ordered.  
7.  Promptly forward specimen to laboratory at ambient temperature.