Influenza Nasal Wash Collection Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide

Nasal wash collection

1. The subject should blow her/his nose into a tissue before beginning.

2. The collection device will consist of a 2.0 ml screw-capped tube without a gasket which contains 1.0 ml of the viral transport medium.

3. Add the remaining half volume of transport medium provided (1 ml) to give a total of 2ml.

4. The patient leans forward and extends his/her head back. The tip of the pipette should be inserted approximately 1 cm into one nostril while sealing the opposite nostril with a finger

5. The liquid can then be pumped in and out of the nostril using the pipette

6. The subject should exhale through his/her mouth while this is being done.

7. The fluid will be expelled from the other nostril.

8. The liquid is collected in the tube by simply reversing it so the tip is now submerged in the liquid to be collected.

9. The patient is instructed to gently snort to allow fluid to flow into the collection vial through the pipette.

10. Approximately 1 ml of nasal wash should be collected.