Collection and Handling

Microbiology Specimen Collections

Respiratory Syncytial Virus(RSV) Direct Antigen

Last Updated: 04/08/2014

Specimen Collection and Handling

Acceptable specimens include fresh nasopharyngeal washes, aspirates and swabs. Nasopharyngeal washes and aspirates, however, have been shown to be superior to swabs and are the specimens of choice.

Lower respiratory tract specimens (Bronchial lavage, Bronchial Wash) are NOT suitable for testing with Sofia RSV FIA Test kit. RSV testing on lower respiratory tract specimens should be forwarded to Mayo clinic for viral culture or Influenza Virus - Type A&B RNA by Rapid PCR (FRVMP)

Use Nasal/Nasopharyngeal Swab Sample: a nylon flocked nasopharyngeal swab, not supplied.

To collect a nasopharyngeal swab sample, carefully insert the swab into the nostril that presents the most secretion under visual inspection. Keep the swab near the septum floor of the nose while gently pushing the swab into the posterior nasopharynx. Rotate the swab several times then remove it from the nasopharynx.

Nasal Wash or Aspirate Sample (Older Children and Adults):

With the patient's head hyper-extended, install about 2.5mL of sterile, normal saline (not supplied in the kit) into one nostril with a syringe. To collect the wash, place a clean, dry specimen container directly under the nose with slight pressure on the upper lip. Tilt the head forward and allow the fluid to run out of the nostril into the specimen container. Repeat for the other nostril and collect the fluid into the same specimen container.

Nasal Wash or Aspirate Sample (Younger Children):

The child should sit in the parent's lap facing forward, with the child's back against the parent's chest. The parent should wrap one arm around the child in a manner that will restrain the child's body and arms.

Fill and aspiration bulb or bulb syringe with up to 2.5mL of sterile, normal saline (depending on the size of the child), and instill the saline into one nostril while the head is tilted back. Release the pressure on the bulb to aspirate the specimen back into the bulb. Transfer the specimen into a clean, dry specimen container. Repeat the process for the child's other nostril and transfer the specimen into the same specimen container.

Link to Respiratory Syncytial Virus(RSV) Direct Antigen Test Page