Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Copan^TM or sterile swab

Specimen Volume: See “Container/Tube”

Collection Instructions:

1. Remove cap and swab from tube.

2. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening of mouth as wide as possible.

3. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab does not touch tongue.

4. If patient has complained of 1 spot being sore, swab that area well.

5. 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.
C. Move to other tonsillar area and swab.
D. Swab behind uvula, and remove swab.

6. Return swab to sterile Copan^TM tube.

7. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Note: Specimen source is required.

**eswabs are NOT acceptable"