LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY

PASEO DEL RIO CAMPUS, ROTONDA CIRCLE, NAZARETH, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

COLLEGE OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

NASAL SWAB COLLECTION PROTOCOL

POLICY STATEMENT Respiratory specimens should be collected as soon as a decision
has been made to test someone, regardless of the time of
symptom onset. The guidance below addresses options for
collecting specimens.
EFFECTIVE DATE December 04, 2021
GROUP/NAME Tahanlangit, Hannah Stephanie
MEMBERS Tan, Jannelle
Trocino, King James
Udarbe, Gwen Stefanie
Vilbar, Zyrah Luke
PRINCIPLE Proper specimen collection is the most important step in the
laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases. A specimen that is not
collected correctly may lead to false or inconclusive test results.
SPECIMEN Collect a nasal swab on all primary exam and second exam. Swab
REQUIREMENTS both nares using a CultureSwab.
INSTRUMENTATION Each CultureSwab unit comprises a single peel pouch containing
AND EQUIPMENT a rayon-tipped swab applicator used to collect the sample and a
REQUIREMENTS tube containing transport medium into which the swab applicator
is placed after sampling.
The CultureSwab transport media is non-nutritious,
buffered with phosphates, and provides a reduced environment
due to their formulation with sodium thioglycolate. Organisms in
the sample material are protected from drying by moisture in the
transport medium. The medium is designed to maintain the
viability of organisms during transport to the
laboratory.
Store the CultureSwab at 5-25°C. Do not freeze or overheat. Do
not use after the expiration date, which is clearly printed on the
outer box and on each individual sterile pouch unit and the
specimen transport tube label.
REAGENTS AND Sterile swabs should be used for the collection of upper
MATERIALS respiratory specimens. Only synthetic fiber swabs with thin
plastic or wire shafts that have been designed for sampling the
nasopharyngeal mucosa.

 BBL™ CultureSwab™ #220099 (Liquid Stuart – single

swab, plastic shaft)
PROCEDURE Preparation
If the patient has nasal discharge:
 Ask the patient to attempt to clear the discharge by
“blowing” his/her nose into nonscented tissue paper.
(Allow one attempt.)
 Assist children whenever necessary.
 LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY
PASEO DEL RIO CAMPUS, ROTONDA CIRCLE, NAZARETH, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

COLLEGE OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

 Do not try to clear the discharge with swabs, as this might

be excessively traumatic.
Collection
1. After washing hands, put on clean gloves if this is the
only section for which the patient is eligible. It is not
necessary to change gloves after the hair and before the
nasal swab collection procedures.
2. Peel open the CultureSwab sterile pouch at the point
indicated by the diagram on the outside of the package.
3. Twist to remove the cap from the transport tube.
4. Remove the swab.
5. Insert the swab approximately 2 cm (approximately ¾
inches) into the naris.
6. Rotate the swab against the anterior nasal mucosa for 3
seconds.
7. Using the same swab, repeat for other naris.
8. Place swab back into the transport tube.
9. Push the end of the swab firmly to ensure that the swab is
inserted into the end of the transport tube. Ensure that the
swab tip is in contact with the moistened pledget.
10. Secure the transport tube cap.
 LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY
PASEO DEL RIO CAMPUS, ROTONDA CIRCLE, NAZARETH, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

COLLEGE OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

FIRE SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY

POLICY STATEMENT The Liceo de Cagayan University - Laboratory considers health
and safety to be a priority and is committed to providing a safe
and healthy work and study environment for the entire
community. This will be possible by meeting or exceeding all
regulatory requirements.

All faculty members, employees, students, volunteers, contractors

and visitors are required to comply with all University health and
safety policies, procedures and rules, as well as all applicable
legislation.

EFFECTIVE DATE December 04, 2021

GROUP/NAME Tahanlangit, Hannah Stephanie
MEMBERS Tan, Jannelle
Trocino, King James
Udarbe, Gwen Stefanie
Vilbar, Zyrah Luke
DESCRIPTION Laboratories are work places that contain hazards requiring
adherence to special rules and procedures. These basic
Laboratory Safety Rules are to safeguard your health and the
heath of the University community, and are a minimum
requirement for persons working in laboratories.

Fire in a laboratory is a major concern of the organization, in

which we are handling machinery and certain chemicals that are
highly flammable. Fire prevention requires understanding the
properties of flammable chemicals and controlling the chemicals.

Fire safety manuals are an essential part of any workplace.

Following its instructions means that all people can take
measures to prevent fires, as well as know what to do if a fire
starts while they are on the job.

PROCEDURE 1. Do not panic.

2. Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
3. If possible, call for help or the fire brigade.
4. If available within reach, use the fire extinguisher.
There are four (4) basic steps for using modern portable fire
extinguishers.
The acronym PASS is used to describe these four basic steps.
a. Pull (Pin)
Pull pin at the top of the extinguisher, breaking the
 LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY
PASEO DEL RIO CAMPUS, ROTONDA CIRCLE, NAZARETH, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

COLLEGE OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

seal. When in place, the pin keeps the handle from

being pressed and accidentally operating the
extinguisher. Immediately test the extinguisher.
(Aiming away from the operator) This is to ensure the
extinguisher works and also shows the operator how
far the stream travels
b. Aim
Approach the fire standing at a safe distance. Aim the
nozzle or outlet towards the base of the fire.
c. Squeeze
Squeeze the handles together to discharge the
extinguishing agent inside. To stop discharge, release
the handles.
d. Sweep
Sweep the nozzle from side to side as you approach
the fire, directing the extinguishing agent at the base
of the flames. After an A Class fire is extinguished,
probe for smoldering hot spots that could reignite the
fuel.
5. Go to the nearest fire exit.
6. If your clothes are caught by the flames do the Stop,
Drop, and Roll.
7. Report to your assembly point and do a head count.
8. Do not return to the building until authorized to do so.

References:

https://www.ipl.org/essay/Importance-Of-Laboratory-Safety-PKX6SUHEACPR
https://safety.lovetoknow.com/Fire_Safety_Manuals
https://www.prevor.com/en/laboratory-fire-prevention/
https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=632
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/guidelines-clinical-specimens.html
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/nhanes_01_02/specimen_collection_year_3.pdf