Influ= enza A + B Sample Collection <= /p>
·
Personnel providing collecting clinical
specimens from suspected or confirmed cases should wear=
N95 respirator, disposable
non-sterile gloves, gowns, and eye protection (e.g., goggles) to prevent
· If Influenza A/H1N1 is NOT suspected, a surgical mask is sufficient respiratory protection.
Swabs – Use one Green Capped BBL CultureSwab for each ordered test (one for Rapid Influenza Testing; one for Influenza PCR Testing).
· Alternatively, swabs that are packed with vi= ral transport media may be used for PCR testing at = the Health & Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) but cannot be used for in-house rapid influenza testing.
· Rapid in-house influenza testing requires on= e Green Capped BBL Culture Swab. Dacron, polyester, rayon, foam and cotton nasopharyngeal swabs, with flexible shafts, are also acceptable. Do not use calcium alginate swabs. Do not use swabs with wooden shafts= .
1. = Carefully insert a flexible mini-tip swab through the nose into the posterior nasopharynx.
2. = Rotate the swab. Keep the swab near the septum and the floor of the nose.
3. = Place the swab back in its container.
4. = If there is an ampule in the tube, crush it so as = to keep the swab moist.
5. = Label the sample and send to the laboratory immediately.
6. = Repeat the sample collection using a second mini-tip swab if needed.
7. = Refrigerate sample swabs at 2 – 8 °C until delivery to the labor= atory.
Deliver the swabs to=
the
laboratory promptly. Viral transport media is available for samples that ma=
y be
delayed in transport to the laboratory.
Nasal washing with sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Sample collection is performed by nursing personnel. Call the Lab at 795-2330 for supplies if needed.
1. = Place 5 mL of sterile Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS)= into a 30 mL medicine cup.
2. = Using a 1 oz tapered rubber bulb, aspirate the PBS into the bulb.
3. = With the patients head tipped back approximately 70 degrees from vertical, insert the rubber bulb to occlude the nostril.
4. = With one quick, complete squeeze and release of the bulb, the PBS washes = the nasal passage and is recollected into the rubber bulb. Gently holding the opposite nostril shut at the same time will prevent the saline from running= out the nostril without the bulb.
5. = The aspirated material is then emptied back into the original tube.
6. = Label the tube with barcode label and write the date and time of collection as we= ll as initials of person collecting the specimen.
7. = Send the specimen to the laboratory immediately.
NOTE: Nasal washi= ngs may be held at 2-8 °C for up to 24 hours prior to testing.
Note: A combined nasal s= wab with an oropharyngeal swab may be submitted when swi= ne flu is suspected.
1. = Using a bacterial culture swab, such as a Bacti-Swab = II, swab the anterior nares of the nostril that pre= sents the most secretion under visual inspection.
2. = Using gentle rotation, push the swab until resistance is met at the level of the = turbinates (less than one inch into the nostril)
3. = Place the swab into the sterile container.
4. = If there is an ampule in the culture container, cr= ush it so as to keep the swab moist.
5. = Label the swab with patient’s name, date and time of collection as well as = the initials of the person collecting the specimen.
6. = Send the specimen to the laboratory immediately.
7. = Repeat the sample collection using a second swab.=
8. = Refrigerate sample swabs at 2 – 8 °C until delivery to the labor= atory.
Document Control
Facility: Central Maine Med=
ical
Center, 300 Main Street, Lewiston, Maine&n=
bsp;
04240
Document Path\Filename: