Guidance

Appendix 4. Additional specimen types that may be submitted to laboratory

Updated 10 June 2025

Swabs can be submitted to the laboratory for testing. Please note that there are different types for microscopy, culture, and sensitivity (MC&S) investigations.

These samples must be transported to the laboratory using the mechanism given for faecal samples (see Appendix 3).

Figure 1. Sample kit (packed)

Viral swab: Snap off into red capped tube containing viral transport medium.

Figure 2. Sample kit (unpacked)

Please use an eSwab for MC&S. Note: charcoal swabs must not be used.