Specimen Requirements

Submit Universal Viral Transport vial with swab specimen as indicated below. Indicate exact source of specimen on the requisition. Maintain at room temperature.

Submit only 1 of the following.

CONJUNCTIVA: Remove mucous and exudate. Use seab and firm pressure to scrape away epithelial cells from upper and lower lid.

POSTERIOR NASOPHARYNX OR THROAT: Collect epithelial cells by using a swab.

RECTUM; Sample anal crypts with a swab. Avoid contamination with fecal material.

URETHRA: Patient should not urinate within 1 hour prior to specimen collection. The swab should be inserted 2 cm. inot the urethra. Use firm pressure to scrape cells from the mucosal surface. If possible, repeat with a second swab.

CERVIX: Remove mucous/pus with a swab, discard and use firm and rotating pressure to obtain specimen with another swab. May be combined with a urethral swab into same transport medium. This two swab method is highly recommmended.