Swab in VTM or UTM tube
Swab
1.0 mL
Specifications After Draw
Storage:
*Refrigeration (Preferred): The specimen should be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C immediately after collection.
*Room Temperature (Acceptable for short periods): Specimens in VTM can be held at room temperature (15°-25°C) for up to 4 hours.
*Freezing (Acceptable for longer delays): If the specimen cannot be shipped refrigerated within 3 days (72 hours), it should be frozen at <-15°C (or greater than or equal to -70°C) for up to 30 days. Transport: Transport the specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible, preferably on cold packs (refrigerated). Labeling: The specimen container must be properly labeled with at least two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth), the specimen source, and the date and time of collection.
Refrigerated
Mon-Sat
Next Day
(RML)
Respiratory Virus Panel, RPP
Test
Interferences (Unacceptable Materials/Conditions):
*Do NOT use cotton swabs or swabs with wooden shafts, as these materials can interfere with PCR testing.
*Do NOT use swabs made of calcium alginate.
*Do NOT use transport media other than the approved VTM/UTM types.
*Avoid submitting specimens collected from more than one source in the same tube unless specified by the lab.
*Avoid delays in transport and improper storage conditions (e.g., prolonged room temperature storage).
Miscellaneous Instructions to Collector:
Collect during acute phase: Obtain the specimen during the acute phase of the illness when the greatest amount of viral shedding is occurring for optimal detection.
Proper technique: For a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab (the preferred collection method for the full RPP), gently insert the swab through the nostril until resistance is met, rotate it several times to collect cellular material, and then withdraw and place immediately into the VTM.
Ensure integrity: Break or cut the end of the swab so that the tip is submerged in the transport media, and screw the cap on tightly to ensure a leak-proof seal.
Special handling: If collecting a specimen other than an NP swab (e.g., bronchoalveolar lavage fluid), place it in a sterile cup and refrigerate. Always refer to the specific laboratory’s instructions if a different specimen type is ordered.
Priority testing: Specific order codes may be available for Emergency Department or inpatient cases that require priority testing.
