MONTEREY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY MONTEREY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY 1270 NATIVIDAD RD, SALINAS, CA 93906 1270 NATIVIDAD RD, SALINAS, CA 93906 (831) 755-4516 (831) 755-4516 INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING NASOPHARYNGEAL SPECIMENS FOR INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING NASOPHARYNGEAL SPECIMENS FOR PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH) OR INFLUENZA PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH) OR INFLUENZA This kit contains materials for collecting nasopharyngeal specimens for virus This kit contains materials for collecting nasopharyngeal specimens for virus culture, or nucleic acid amplification testing for influenza and pertussis. culture, or nucleic acid amplification testing for influenza and pertussis. 1. Remove the sterile nasopharyngeal swab from its package. Handle the 1. Remove the sterile nasopharyngeal swab from its package. Handle the plastic shaft above the molded break point to avoid contaminating plastic shaft above the molded break point to avoid contaminating specimen. Use swab provided (calcium alginate swabs unacceptable). specimen. Use swab provided (calcium alginate swabs unacceptable). 2. Insert the swab so that it curves down into the posterior nasopharynx 2. Insert the swab so that it curves down into the posterior nasopharynx and hold it there for 15 to 30 seconds or until the patient coughs (see and hold it there for 15 to 30 seconds or until the patient coughs (see figure below). figure below). 3. Place swab in transport tube, snap off end of swab at the molded 3. Place swab in transport tube, snap off end of swab at the molded break point and replace lid. break point and replace lid. 4. Label tube with patients name and date of collection. Fill out appropriate 4. Label tube with patients name and date of collection. Fill out appropriate laboratory requisition (standard requisition for routine testing or Viral laboratory requisition (standard requisition for routine testing or Viral Respiratory Illness specimen for approved surveillance testing). Respiratory Illness specimen for approved surveillance testing). 5. Place tube inside plastic bag. Place laboratory requisition in sleeve 5. Place tube inside plastic bag. Place laboratory requisition in sleeve outside of the bag. outside of the bag. 6. Refrigerate specimen until testing; specimens for virus culture must be 6. Refrigerate specimen until testing; specimens for virus culture must be received within 2 days. Specimens for NAA must be received within 4 received within 2 days. Specimens for NAA must be received within 4 days. days. 7. Submit specimen to the Public Health laboratory (at the above address) 7. Submit specimen to the Public Health laboratory (at the above address) Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Contents of Kit: Contents of Kit: 1. Laboratory requisitions 1. Laboratory requisitions 2. Collection instructions 2. Collection instructions 3. Sterile swabs (Dacron tip/plastic shaft) 3. Sterile swabs (Dacron tip/plastic shaft) 4. 15 ml sterile tube with 3 mL of Virus Transport Medium 4. 15 ml sterile tube with 3 mL of Virus Transport Medium Nasopharyngeal.doc (03/08/2011) .