Page 39 - COVID-19 Inpatient Training Resources

Department: Department of Laboratory Medicine (DLM), St. Joseph’s Health Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital, Providence Healthcare
Document Name: COVID-19 Sample Collection Kits, Test Ordering and Collection Instructions
Instructions for the Collection of Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swabs
1. DO NOT USE EXPIRED KITS.
2. Open and aseptically remove the swab from its package.
3. Collect the specimen (see below) following the onset of symptoms.
a. In a seated position, tilt the head back 70 degrees as illustrated in the figure below
b. Insert the swab into one nostril, parallel to the palate and along the medial nasal septum, just above the floor of the nasal passage to the posterior
nasopharynx until resistance is felt. This should be equal to the distance from nostrils to the outer opening of the ear.
c. Briefly rotate the swab once it has been inserted
d. Leave swab in place for a few seconds to absorb material
e. Withdraw swab
4. Aseptically remove cap from vial and insert swab in medium.
5. Break swab shaft evenly at the scored line to fit in tube well below the cap and replace cap to vial closing tightly
6. Label with appropriate patient information, DATE and TIME collected and NP site of collection.
7. Place specimen in the biohazard bag and seal bag.
8. Complete all sections of the enclosed PHOL requisition data sheet and place in the pocket on the outside of the biohazard bag.
9. Hand-deliver all specimens from hospital units to lab (i.e. NP, throat, or deep nasal and any other clinical specimens for any suspected or confirmed COVID
patient). DO NOT SEND WITH PNEUMATIC TUBE.
10. For offsite centers, transport specimens in approved TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) approved packaging at 2 - 8°C or on wet ice to the laboratory
for processing within 48 hours of collection. If required, specimens should be stored at 2-8°C in a refrigerator

Collection of a Nasopharyngeal Specimen
*the previous instruction on collection of a nasopharyngeal specimen was inaccurate. Please follow this corrected instruction with
appropriate swab.

Insert the swab through the nares parallel to the palate until resistance is met. This should be equal to the distance from nostrils to
the outer opening of the ear.

Version: 11.0
st
Effective Date: August 1 , 2020
Approving Authority: Dr. Yan Chen (Medical Microbiologist, DLM) Page 12 of 14