Nasal Swab Collection Instructions: 

One – Materials required:
eSwab collection kit. 
Check experation date.
Peel open package
 
Two – Collection: (right nares)
Loosen cap on tube.
Stand upright or hold in non-dominant hand.
Grasp swab above pink breakpoint line and insert 1 inch into right nares.
Rotate 5x against nasal mucosa. Remove swab.

Three – With same swab repeat collection (left nares)
Insert 1 inch into left nares and rotate 5x.
 
Four –  Remove cap from culture tube.
Place swab inside tube and break at pink breakpoint line.
Screw on cap securely. Label at bedside, verifying patient information. Send to laboratory.

Transport to laboratory at room temperature in clean ziplock bag.


Reference: A Guide to Specimen Management in Clinical Microbiology, 2nd Edition. J Michael Miller, PhD, ABMM. Published by ASM (1999)/photo