COVID-19 Nasal Swab Collection

A nasal specimen is required for COVID-19 testing. Instructions on how to collect this swab are provided below. 

1. Preparation

• Wash your hands and wear appropriate PPE. Complete the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) requisition.
• Ensure the collection tube is labeled with the patient’s first and last name, date of birth, gender, time, and date of collection.
• Ask the patient to blow their nose before swab collection.

2. Nasal Swab

• Gently unscrew the cap.
• Remove the swab from the sterile wrapping.
• Do NOT touch any part of the swab other than the shaft of the swab.
• Next, insert the tip of the swab horizontally into one nostril, at least 2 inches until resistance is felt. Some patients may experience an urge to sneeze or cough or watering of the eyes.
• Rotate the swab 5 times and then leave in position for 5-10 seconds to absorb any material present.
• Withdraw the swab carefully, taking care not to touch the exposed tip.
• Insert swab shaft into the tube, snap shaft at the marked line or bend the swab to fit inside the tube.
• Screw-on lid firmly to ensure no leakage.

3. Proper Transport

• Place the labelled tube into the specimen bag and seal it airtight.
• Place the completed requisition form into the side sleeve of the specimen bag.
• Drop-off the specimen collected at the designated location or contact your courier for routine pick-up.

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