Indications
  • Specimen to detect of most respiratory virus 
  • Sensitivity NPA(~90%) > NPS(~70-80%)
Preparation

Environment
  • High risk patient areas --> negative pressure room
  • Others --> local exhaust fans（抽氣扇）/ aerosol removal device
  • Limited no. of person involved

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Full PPE 連 face shield
Patient
  • Explain and cover patient's mouth
  • Sit up with head tilted slightly backward (next to aerosol removal device, if applicable)
Equipment

  • Check expiry date

Procedure for NPA
  • Label specimen
  • Put on PPE
  • remove the bottle lid
  • Connect the mucus extractor to suction tubing. Regulate suction force - adult 100-200 mmHg; child: 100-125mmHg; neonate: 75-100mmHg
  • Stand lateral, a bit behind. Never in front.
  • Measure distance from nostril to nasopharynx (I.e. to earlobe)
  • Insert the catheter (Do not advance)
  • Aspirate with intermittent suction force less than 15seconds. Withdrawn slowly by rotated motion
  • Suck all the media
  • Discard catheter and contaminated gloves
  • Put on new gloves, screw up specimen bottle tightly.
  • Degown
For NPS
  • Insert to pharyngeal wall, rotate gently for few seconds
  • Cut the Swab into the transport media

Aftercare
Patient
  • Observe complications, e.g. nasal bleeding, blood stained sputum or desaturation
Specimen
  • Send out within 24 hours
  • Primary container: Specimen bottle
  • Secondary: Zip-lock plastic bag
  • Third: Container for transport