Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube Type: 

Sterile Transport Swab

Collection Information: 

Throat

Transport Information: 

Depress tongue gently with a tongue depressor. Extend sterile swab between the tonsils and behind the uvula. Avoid touching the cheeks, tongue, uvula, or lips. Sweep the swab back and forth across the posterior pharynx, tonsils, and in particular any inflamed or ulcerated areas. Place swab in transport tube. Do not obtain throat sample if the epiglottis is inflamed.

Remarks: 

Identification and susceptibility tests are billed separately from culture.