Respiratory Pathogens Panel Collection

Specimen collection for Respiratory Pathogens Panel and Covid 19

Sensitive molecular assays must utilize efficient, controlled, and robust specimen collection techniques. The collection procedure described below can be used to evaluate a sample for the presence of multiple viral and bacterial pathogens. These methods are based on the current guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Interim Guidelines for Collecting and Handling of Clinical Specimens for COVID-19 Testing | COVID-19 | CDC)

Respiratory tract specimens should be collected as soon as possible in the course of illness and before antimicrobial therapy begins, if possible. The likelihood of recovering most viruses and many bacteria diminishes markedly >72 hours after symptom onset and after the initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. If possible, respiratory specimens should be collected within 72 hours of symptom onset and no later than 7 days after onset.

Collecting an Oropharyngeal Swab Have the patient sit with head tilted slightly backward. Insert swab into the posterior pharynx and tonsillar areas. Rub the swab over both tonsillar pillars and the posterior oropharynx. Avoid touching the tongue, teeth, and gums.

Collecting a Nasopharyngeal Swab Have the patient sit with head tilted slightly backward. Insert flexible swab through the nares parallel to the palate (not upwards) until resistance is encountered or the distance is equivalent to that from the ear to the nostril of the patient indicates contact with the nasopharynx. Gently rub and roll the swab. Leave the swab in place for several seconds to absorb secretions before removing.

Specimen Handling:

Place oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs immediately into a sterile vial containing 1.0 mL of Liquid Amies transporting medium. If two samples are collected from the same patient, both swabs can be placed in the same vial. Aseptically, cut or break applicator sticks off near the tip to permit tightening of the cap. Label the vial with the patient’s first and last name, date of birth, the date and time the sample was collected, and the specimen type. Additional comments may also be added.

Specimen identity of each patient is confirmed by matching the requisition form with the patient’s first and last name, date of birth and date of collection on each sample.

Specimen integrity could be jeopardized by incorrect specimen collection (i.e., a sample collected in an inappropriate device). Bacteria can double every 2 minutes when a specimen is put in an inappropriate matrix. Samples where leakage associated with a faulty cap will also be rejected.

Ship the collected samples back to:

Tide Laboratories

Leann Bryant

913 Airport Rd. W

Fort Payne AL 35968