Specimen Requirements
For body fluid, submit a minimum of 0.5 mL.
Supplies for Submission
Universal transport media (utm) or M4 transport tube
Specimen Collection
- DO NOT use M4 viral transport media ( M4 RT).
- Collect specimen – swab or body fluid – in universal transport media or M4 transport tube.
- Label with two identifiers. Acceptable identifiers include patient’s name, date of birth, social security number, requisition number, and medical record number.
Indicate specimen source.
- Place each specimen in an individual bag, seal, and freeze - send this separately when multiple tests are ordered.
Storage Requirements
Frozen.
Specimens are stable if frozen for 1 month.
Causes for Rejections
Specimens with the following conditions are not accepted:
- submitted in M4 viral transport media (M4 RT media)
- dry swabs