The laboratory requires high numbers of organisms to culture successfully for respiratory viruses such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza A, Influenza B or Parainfluenza.
- The best time to take an NP swab is within 24-48 hours of symptom onset.
- A properly executed NP swab will yield high numbers of organisms
How do I swab?
Encourage the resident to blow his or her nose to clear nasal passage.
If the resident is unable to perform this task wipe the nares with a cotton tip swab or tissue.- Label the vial with the resident's name, date of birth and time collected.
- Perform hand hygiene. Put on a mask, eye protection and gloves.
- With the person's head in a neutral position,
- Insert the dry swab through one nostril straight back (NOT upwards), along the floor of the nasal passage until you reach the posterior wall of the nasopharynx - generally one half the distance from the corner of the nose to the front of the ear (about 4 to 6 cm or 1.6 - 2.5 inches)
- Rotate the swab gently then leave in place a few seconds
- Carefully remove the swab without touching the sides of the nostril
- Open the transport vial and place the swab in the transportation medium.
- Break the swab at the scored line and recap.
- Place the specimen in the big inner pocket of the plastic biohazard bag provided.
- Remove your gloves and perform hand hygiene; remove your mask and perform hand hygiene.
- Complete the requisition form and place it in the small outer pocket of the plastic biohazard bag.
- Place the entire plastic biohazard bag in a separate clean paper bag or zip-lock bag.
- Refrigerate the specimen.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Call Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744, ext 26325 for NP specimen pickup and delivery to the laboratory.
Do not send with your regular lab courier
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