Specimen Requirements

A. The only acceptable specimen for the Xpert Strep A is ESwab collection kit.

B.  Throat swab specimens must be collected and tested before the printed expiration date on the ESwab collection kit label.

C.  Maintain proper storage conditions during specimen transport to ensure the integrity of the specimen (See: Specimen Collection, Preparation, and Transport).

D.  Do not freeze ESwab specimens.

Swab Collection Procedure:

1. Use the ESwab Collection and Transport System.  Remove the swab from the wrapper.

2.  Swab the posterior pharynx, tonsils, and other inflamed areas.  Avoid touching the tongue, cheeks, and teeth with the swab when collecting specimens.

3.  Uncap the ESwab transport tube.

4.  Place the specimen containing swab into the ESwab transport tube and break the swab at the indicated scoreline.

5.  Cap the ESwab transport tube.