There are two types of swabs, namely :
- Dacron/rayon sterile with plastic handles.
- Flocked swab with more flexible stem.
General guidelines for collecting Covid-19 specimens :
- Wash hands before and after action.
- Use complete personal protective equipment (N95 mask and gloves).
Specimen collection schedule ➡
- Patients under surveillance and people in monitoring : performed on the first, second day and when the patient's condition worsens.
- Make sure the specimen code label matches the code in the specimen collection form.
- Store specimens in a parafilm-wrapped cryotube, put in plastic clips and stored at 4°C-8° C before shipping.
How to nasopharyngeal swabs :
- Make sure there are no obstructions in the nostrils : ask the patient to sniff if any, inform the patient that this procedure will be a little uncomfortable.
- Head tilt, so the nose can be seen more clearly.
- Ask the patient to close his eyes to reduce discomfort when taking a specimen.
- Insert the swab slowly into the nasopharynx, just above the base of the nose.
- Turn the swab slowly until it touches the nasopharyngeal mucosa for 10-15 seconds.
- Slowly pull the swab out and immediately insert it into the cryotube which contains the media transport virus.
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