Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Perirectal Swab

Container/Tube: COPAN Red double tip culture

Specimen Volume:  NA

Collection Instructions:

1.  Obtain a perirectal swab using a red double tip culture swab. (COPAN)
2. Swab perirectal area (area directly around the anal opening) in a clockwise motion (3 complete circles.)
3. Place both swabs in the plastic transport tube. The swabs should go all the way into the tube until they rest on the top of the sponge at the bottom of the tube. Ensure that the red cap is on tightly. NOTE: the swabs should remain attached to the red cap throughout the collection and transport process.
4. Label the plastic transport tube with the patient identifiers and send to the laboratory promptly. 
5. If immediate delivery to the laboratory is not possible, the specimen can be stored for 24 hours at room temperature or up to 5 days at 2-8 ˚C.

Additional Information: 

1. Specimen source is required.

2. Label tube with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or Social Security number, date and time of collection, and source of specimen.