Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Nasal Swab

Collection Container: Swab provided in BinaxNOW kit

Transport Container: Clean plastic screw-cap tube

Specimen Volume: Adequate amount

Collection Instructions:

1. Tilt patient’s head at a 70° angle.
2. Insert swab into nostril.
3. Rotate swab against inside of nostril for 5 seconds. Apply slight pressure with a finger on external nose to help assure good contact between swab and nasal mucosal surface.
4. Withdraw swab and insert same swab into other nostril, repeat procedure.
5. Test swab immediately.  If immediate testing is not possible, place swab in a clean, unused plastic tube with screw cap.
6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date, time of collection, and collectors intials.