Oropharyngeal Swab Collection

Follow the steps below to collect and process oropharyngeal swabs:

  1. Remove the cap from the tube containing 2-3 ml of viral transport media.
  2. Remove the swab from its packaging and handle carefully. Do not touch the sterile end of the swab.
  3. Ask the patient to open their mouth, stick out their tongue, and say “ah.”
  4. Depress the tongue using a tongue depressor.
  5. Gently insert the synthetic fiber swab with a plastic or wire shaft into the oral cavity without touching the lips, teeth, tongue, hard palate, or soft palate.
  6. Collect the sample from the back wall of the throat (swab the tonsils and posterior pharynx).
  7. Twist the swab shaft gently, but thoroughly. (wipe both sides of the pharyngeal tonsils with pressure at least 3 times, then wipe on the upper and lower walls of the pharynx for at least 3 times)
  8. Place the swab in the tube containing 2-3ml storage solution (or isotonic saline solution, tissue culture solution or phosphate buffer solution).

NB
  • If needed, break the applicator stick so that the cap to the tube can be securely closed.
  • The pharyngeal swabs can also be placed in the same tube together with the nasopharyngeal swab.
  • Endotracheal aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage can also be used to collect specimens for detection of COVID-19.