Specimen Type:
Nasal Washings, or 2 FLOCKED NPH swabs, or Tracheal aspirate
Collection Volume:
1.5 mL wash or aspirate in sterile container plus 0.5 mL wash or aspirate in viral transport medium (M4) OR 2 Flocked NPH swabs: send one swab in culturette and one swab broken off into viral transport medium (M4)
Cause for Rejection:
Specimen dry, non-sterile container or incorrect swab (do not use NPH wire swab), QNS, or portion of specimen in M4 medium for back-up Respiratory Virus Isolation.
Methodology:
Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA)
Special Instructions:
Specimens in M4 must be sent on ice ASAP to laboratory. Nasal wash or NPH swab in culturette used for Direct Antigen Stain. Same day results if specimen is received Mon-Fri by 1430, Sat/Sun - by 1100. Nasal wash in M4 or NPH swab in M4 used for Respiratory Virus Isolation if rapid is negative or inconclusive. A negative result does not rule out viral infection. Positive antigen stains are called.
