Specimen Requirements

1. Obtain specimen using 2 sterile swabs or a double swab and a Fisherbrand® transport tube.
2. Remove cap and swab from tube(s).
3. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening of mouth as wide as possible.
4. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab doesn’t touch oral mucosa or tongue.
5. If patient has complained of 1 spot being sore, swab that area well.
6. 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 swab.
7. Return swab(s) to Fisherbrand® transport tube(s) with Stuart’s transport media to ensure specimen preservation.
8. Label tube(s) with patient’s full name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if available), date and time of collection, location of patient, and type of specimen.
9. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.