Respiratory sample collection for Influenza and other respiratory viruses diagnosis - Infographic

The procedure defines the standards for the collection, preservation, and transport of respiratory samples used in the molecular and virological diagnosis of influenza and other respiratory viruses. Nasopharyngeal or combined nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs are taken using flocked nylon swabs, which are immediately deposited in 3 mL of sterile viral transport medium (VTM).

Samples should be obtained within the first 3–4 days after the onset of symptoms, kept refrigerated at 4–8 °C, and sent to the laboratory within a maximum of 72 hours. If processing is delayed, they should be stored at –70 °C or below. Transport must be carried out under an uninterrupted cold chain, in an upright position and triple packaging, complying with biosafety and international transport (IATA) standards. For more information: laboratoryresponse@paho.org