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Specimen Collection Manual: Nasopharyngeal for Eosinophils

Eosinophils and PMNs Smear

Instructions

Materials/Supplies

• A dry, flexible, type 1 aluminum-shafted, Rayon- or Dacron-tipped wire swab with culture/transport media should be used for this procedure.
• Use separate swabs when collecting specimens from both nostrils.
  
  

Specimen Collection Criteria

• Insert the swab into one nostril.
• The swab tip should touch the mucosal surface of the mid-inferior portion of the inferior turbinate:
  
  
  
  
• Hold the swab in place for 5-15 seconds, then gently rotate the swab three times to loosen and collect cellular material.
• Withdraw the swab and rub it on the surface of an acetone-cleaned slide. Be sure to roll the swab so that the entire surface of the swab comes into contact with the slide.
• Repeat the process on a second slide.
• Allow the slides to air dry.
• Send the slides to the Laboratory in a slide mailer.
• If submitting a swab only, ensure insertion of the swab into transport medium is performed so that the swab becomes moistened.

Rejection Criteria

• Dry culturettes and dry swabs.

Reference

Applicable Tests:

• Eosinophils in Nasal, Sputum, or Conjunctival Smears - EOPMS

Contacts

Last Updated

5/24/2024