Specimen Collection Methods

There are various methods used for collecting bacterial and viral specimens depending on the type of infection being tested. Proper collection is crucial for obtaining an accurate microbiology test result. Some common specimen collection methods include:

Nasopharyngeal Swab/Throat Swab

A nasopharyngeal or throat swab is commonly used to test for respiratory viruses like influenza. To collect a nasopharyngeal swab, a long, flexible swab is gently inserted into the nostril and guided to the back of the nasal cavity near the nasopharynx. For a throat swab, the swab is rubbed along the posterior pharynx and tonsillar pillars. Proper insertion depth is important to collect epithelial cells containing viruses.

Nasal Wash/Nasal Aspirate

A nasal wash or nasal aspirate collects secretions directly from the nasal cavity. For a nasal wash, sterile saline is instilled into one nostril and drained into a collection container from the other nostril. A nasal aspirate uses suction to collect mucus and cells through a nasal catheter. These specimens are optimal for detecting respiratory viruses.

Sputum Bacterial and Viral Specimens Collection

Sputum Bacterial And Viral Specimen Collection when coughing deep from the lower respiratory tract. Early morning specimens after coughing are preferred. Sputum must contain phagocytes to be suitable for culture. Sputum induction using hypertonic saline can help produce sputum in patients unable to cough spontaneously.

Urine Specimen

A clean-catch midstream urine specimen is needed when testing for a urinary tract infection. It is important to collect only the middle portion of the urine stream and not the initial or final portions that may contain external genital or perineal organisms.

Blood Bacterial and Viral Specimens Collection

Blood is often collected by venipuncture into blood culture bottles for diagnosis of bacterial bloodstream infections. Larger volumes increase the sensitivity of detection. Blood is also tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of viruses like HIV, hepatitis, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus.

Cervical/Vaginal Swab

For testing cervical or vaginal infections, a Dacron, cotton, or rayon swab is gently inserted into the cervical os or vagina and rotated before placement into transport media. Self-collected low-vaginal swabs can sometimes be used for screening of certain sexually transmitted infections.

Skin/Wound/Abscess Aspirate or Swab

Specimens are collected from skin lesions, wounds, or abscesses using sterile swabs or needles and syringes. Deeper tissue and full-thickness skin specimens have higher yields than swabs of oozing or crusted surfaces. Sterile saline can be used to aspirate pus for aerobic and anaerobic culture.

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