Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive within 24 hours of collection.

1. Obtain specimen using a culture swab.

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 oral mucosa or 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 the swab.

6. Return swab to sterile culture tube, and crush ampule to ensure specimen preservation.

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

8. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

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