Nasal Specimens

Nasal Collection

Important Things to Consider:​

1. Quality of testing is dependent on the quality of the sample. Incorrectly collected samples may produce inaccurate results.

2. For Nasal Collection, the entire tip of the swab (usually ½ to ¾ of an inch) should be placed inside the nose, and the side of the swab tip should be rubbed with moderate pressure against as much of the wall of the anterior nares region as possible, moving the tip through a large circular path inside the nose.

   • At least four of these sweeping circles should be performed in each nostril using the same swab. This should take approximately 10-15 seconds per nostril.

   • Simply twirling the swab against one part of the inside of the nose or leaving the swab in the nose for 10-15 seconds, is not proper technique and may result in an insufficient sample.

3. Make sure the specimen tube is labeled with the patient first and last name as well as patient date of birth.