Collection Requirements

Nasopharyngeal or Nares (Nasal) swab in Viral Transport Media.

Nasopharyngeal:

From symptomatic individuals suspected of respiratory viral infection consistent with COVID-19.

1. Clear excess nasal secretions from nostril with larger swab from kit or blow nose if only small nasopharyngeal swab available.

2. Insert smaller swab into nostril, gently rotating the swab inward until resistance is met at the level of the turbinate’s (distant from nostril to external opening of the ear).

3. Rotate the swab a few times against the nasopharyngeal wall to extract epithelial cells.

4. Withdraw swab and place in container with transport medium.

5. Break off end of swab to enable cap to cover and secure in place.

Nares (Nasal):

From any individuals, including those suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider, and those without symptoms or other reasons to suspect COVID-19.

1. Insert larger nasal swab into one of the anterior nares.

2. Rotate swab against the nasal mucosa for about 3 seconds and withdraw.

3. Repeat with the other anterior nares using the same swab.

4. Place swab into viral transport media.

5. Break off end of swab to enable cap to cover and secure in place.