EQUIPMENT NOTE: Swab only one side. Check agency policy
Applicator (swab or flexible wire) in sterile culture tube regarding obtaining a second specimen from the other Tongue blade side. Penlight Gloves, nonsterile 8. Withdraw swab without touching adjacent structure. Avoids contamination of the specimen. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SPECIMEN 9. Place applicator in culture tube. Crush ampule at the COLLECTION bottom. Place applicator tip in culture medium to pre- serve bacteria. 1. Check physicians order. Ensures appropriate specimen obtained from the correct child. 10. Secure top to culture tube. Label specimen and place in appropriate bag or container along with laboratory req- 2. Check child for allergies to any materials used, e.g., uisition slips. povidone-iodine. 11. Dispose of any used materials in appropriate container. 3. Prepare child and family. Enhances cooperation/partici- Is consistent with body fluid precautions. pation; reduces anxiety/fear. 12. Remove gloves. Wash hands. Reduces transmission of NOTE: Have an assistant hold/comfort the child as nec- microorganisms. essary and in accordance with agency policy. 13. Send specimen to lab. 4. Gather equipment. Promotes organization and effi- ciency. DOCUMENTATION 5. Wash hands. Don gloves. Reduces transmission of 1. Time, source/site, specimen sent to lab (specify for what microorganisms. test). 2. Record results of any test performed on the unit. PROCEDURE 1. Steps 15 of General Guidelines. 2. Position child for access to throat. 3. Prepare applicator for use by loosening the top of the container. Avoids contamination of applicator. 4. Ask child to tilt head back, open mouth, and say ah. Promotes visualization, relaxes throat muscles, and mini- mizes gag reflex. 5. Depress anterior 1/3 of tongue with tongue blade. Promotes visualization. NOTE: May induce gag reflex.
6. Insert swab without touching lips, teeth, or tongue.
Prevents contamination with oral flora. 7. Swab tonsillar area from side to side with quick, gentle motion. Ensures collection of microorganisms for testing and minimizes childs discomfort.
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