Diagnostic testing of nasopharyngeal samples is a highly effective way to identify infectious viral and bacterial organisms. However, the effectiveness of these tests depends in part on the kits used to collect the specimen before conducting the diagnostic test. Healthcare professionals must collect the samples using materials specifically designed and validated for appropriate levels of absorption and elution. Moreover, these materials must be sealed against contamination during sample transportation. Nasopharyngeal specimen collection kits for medical professionals help collect and transport samples appropriately. This article lets one know everything about the nasopharyngeal sample collection kit.
What is a Nasopharyngeal Specimen Collection Kit?
A nasopharyngeal specimen collection kit includes all the elements necessary to collect a specimen sample from a person’s nasopharynx and transport the sample to a laboratory for further diagnosis. These specimen collection kits for medical professionals can support large-scale public health testing sites or be used within medical facilities or clinics.
What is the Nasopharyngeal Specimen Collection Kit Used For?
A validated nasopharyngeal sample collection kit is used to collect a nasopharyngeal sample that allows analysis of the secretions produced on the surface of the respiratory mucosa in the throat’s back. Now that the nasopharynx tends to contain a higher viral concentration, this clinical testing has more accurate results compared to simple throat cultures or nasal swabs.
Nasopharyngeal swabs are usually used to collect samples to identify the infectious organisms responsible for upper respiratory viral infections, such as influenza, Covid-19, RSV, and infectious bacteria like Staphylococcus, Bordetella, etc.
Elements of a Nasopharyngeal Sample Collection Kit
The elements of the nasopharyngeal specimen collection kits for medical professionals can vary depending on the specific targeted end use and user. However, kits generally include the following components:
- Sterile Swab
The specific type of swab can vary as per the end user. However, flocked and polyester swabs featuring synthetic tips collect and retain more specimens than swabs made from other materials. Moreover, patients find these swab materials more comfortable.
- Transport Media
Transport media is a sealed tube designed to hold the accompanying swap in place protectively and allows the transfer of samples to the laboratory for further analysis without contamination risk.
- Label for Collection Tube
Some nasopharyngeal sample collection kits have a label affixed to the transport media. It allows the room to write the patient’s name, the date when the sample was collected, and other crucial information.
- Directions for Use
Accurate results majorly depend on the correct usage of the sample kit. Therefore, the nasopharyngeal sample collection kit must include clear directions for use, such as how to collect the sample and prepare it for transportation. It’s a must for a medical professional to read the manufacturer’s package insert for specific instructions related to sample collection and transportation for the type of specimen collection kit being used.
Conclusion
A specimen collection kit is vital for effective sample collection, transportation, and analysis. Therefore, when choosing the nasopharyngeal sample collection kits, a healthcare professional must consider multiple factors like pathogen inactivation, user safety, technology, accreditation, supply chain control, etc. Moreover, the supplier of specimen collection kits needs to be licensed, professional, and reliable.