Test Name/Description

Rapid Respiratory Viral PCR and Pertussis PCR Qual - This is done with the flocked swab in
the viral respiratory kit. It is placed in the UTM (Universal Transport Media) that is found
in the viral respiratory kits.

Pertussis PCR only- Sample should be collected using a Copan FLOQ swab (orange
cap, pictured below). The following swabs will be REJECTED for this test: BBL
Culture Swabs, Swabs in Universal Transport Media (UTM) or any other swabs with
transport media.

Chlamydia and Herpes culture – Sample should be collected using the Viral Kit
(minitip swab) and placed in the Universal Transport Media.

Gonorrhea culture Sample should be collected using a Copan FLOQ swab (orange
cap) and inoculated onto the agar surface of a Transgrow bottle at the bedside.
Transgrow bottles are available upon request from the Bellevue Lab (x49166). The
swab should be broken off and left in the bottle for transport to the laboratory.
The bottle should be held upright during inoculation to prevent CO 2 loss.

CT/NG PCR (Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhea PCR)
o
If the sample is urine, collect in Sterile Container. The laboratory will
aliquot the sample into the appropriate collection kit.
o
If the sample is an Endocervical/Vaginal Swab, collect using the CT/NG
Endocervical/Vaginal Collection Kit.
Swab Selection

Wound Culture - Sample should be collected on the BBL Culture
Swab w/ Stuarts media or the Copan FLOQ Swab. These swabs
are acceptable for both culture and gram stain.

Tissue Culture – Collect tissue into sterile leak proof specimen container.
Mycobacterial Culture (AFB) - Collect tissue, sputum or other body fluid into sterile leak proof specimen
container. Send adequate sample. Swabs of site are unacceptable due to low yield.
Rapid Strep - Use BBL Culture Swab w/ Stuarts media (with foam at bottom) for
collection. All negative rapid Strep tests will be cultured to provide optimal testing
sensitivity.


Where to find the swabs and media
What do you need?
Where do you find it?
Viral UTM (Universal Transport Media) Kit
Demand Flow, if not call Central Supply x72036
Copan FLOQ swab (orange cap)
Demand Flow, if not call Central Supply x72036
Transgrow
Laboratory (Call x72102)
CT/NG Endocervical/Vaginal Collection Kit
Demand Flow, if not call Central Supply x72036
BD CultureSwab Max V
Demand Flow, if not call Central Supply x72036
BBL Culture Swab
Demand Flow, if not call Central Supply x72036
Sterile leak proof specimen container
Demand Flow, if not call Central Supply x72036
Differences between swab kits. (viral respiratory swab kit and viral swab kit)
The only difference is in the swab shape; the respiratory swab has a length marker and is more “tree shaped”.
The resp swab kit should only be used for viral respiratory panels and the viral swab kit should only be used for
skin, eye, rectal etc swabs.