Nose

• Gently insert single swab through each nare until it reaches that portion of mucosa that is inflamed or containing exudate. In small children, use a nasopharyngeal swab to facilitate collection.
• Rotate swab quickly in nare and withdraw.
• Swab the opposite nare in same manner. One swab is used for both nares.
• Immediately place swab in culture tube being careful not to touch the swab to the outside of the tube and transport at 2-8 °C.
• Specify if for MRSA or any suspected pathogens on the requisition