Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Nasal Smear

1. Have patient blow nose on waxed paper to collect nasal secretion.

2. Gently roll cotton applicator through nasal secretion. Spread nasal secretion on glass slide by gently rolling swab on slide.

Note:  If no secretion is available by blowing nose, secretions may be taken separately from each side of nose.

3. Roll a cotton applicator gently against inside contours of nose; small crusts from septum and vestibule of nose should be avoided.

Note:  Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, and collector’s initials.

Bronchial Smear

Bronchial secretion is readily obtained from coughed specimens.

1. Have patient blow nose on waxed paper to collect nasal secretion.

2. Gently roll cotton applicator through nasal secretion. Spread nasal secretion on glass slide by gently rolling swab on slide.

Note:  If no secretion is available by blowing nose, secretions may be taken separately from each side of nose.

3. Roll a cotton applicator gently against inside contours of nose; small crusts from septum and vestibule of nose should be avoided.

Note:  Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, and collector’s initials.

Urine

10 mL from a random urine collection in a plastic urine container. No preservative. Send specimen refrigerated.

Note:  Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, and collector’s initials.