Note: Transport media must be securely capped. Leaking specimens will be rejected.
Preferred Specimen:
- Nasopharyngeal swab (NP swab) - Place swab immediately into sterile tube containing 1.5-3 mL of Remel Multi-Microbe Media (M4 or M4RT). Use only synthetic fiber swabs with plastic or wire shafts.
Other acceptable transport media: Copan Universal Transport Media (UTM-RT, BD Universal Viral Transport, Cepheid Xpert Viral Transport media, and V-C-M Medium Universal Transport Medium).
Legacy Health Inpatients Only:
Other Acceptable Specimen Types:
- Nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate or nasal aspirate - Perform procedure with sterile saline. Collect 2-3 mL into a sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap collection cup or sterile dry container.
The CDC recommends collecting only the NP swab. OP swabs are NOT an acceptable specimen type.