Specimen Requirements

1. Using a sterile tongue depressor and a ESwab regular swab, have the patient open his mouth widely and breathe deeply.
2. Gently depress the tongue with the tongue depressor and, without touching the lips, cheeks, tongue, or uvula, extend the swab between the tonsillar pillars and behind the uvula.
3. Have the patient phonate an “ah” and sweep the swab back and forth across the posterior pharynx, tonsillar areas, and any inflamed or ulcerated areas.
4. Withdraw the swab without touching any other surface.