Store opened packages in a closed, airtight container to minimize contamination. Jan. 11, 2022 -- Many Americans are familiar with the rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 that involve swabbing the nose. DNA plasmid: Please note that if a DNA plasmid control is used, a method to evaluate performance of the reverse transcription step should be included. No preservative is required. An institutions biosafety professional, laboratory management, scientific/clinical, and safety staff should be involved in conducting the risk assessment process to determine the appropriate specimen transport practices to implement at the facility. Consult CDC and other similar sources for specific guidelines. Therefore, it is important that 3D printed swabs be assessed to ensure they are appropriately characterized for the end use to determine if they meet the clinical need. These swabs were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and shown to be negative. Anterior nares sampling collects a nasal secretion sample from just inside the nose. This is a non-encapsulated product consisting of 6 non-overlapping 5 kb synthetic RNA fragments spanning near the entire viral genome (>99.9%). Aerosol-generating procedures potentially put healthcare providers and others at an increased risk for pathogen exposure and infection. The COVID-19 self-swab kit used by Stanford Medicine researchers in the Community Alliance to Test Coronavirus at Home (CATCH) Study was granted emergency-use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration on Nov. 24. A specimen that is not collected correctly may lead to false or inconclusive test results. Yasharyn Mediaid Solutions Ludhiana The claim that Morgellons-related fibers are living nanoparticles within the COVID-19 test swab is baseless. Make sure you stop when you feel resistance or the distance from the ear to the nostril is the same, which indicates the swab head is in contact with the nasopharynx. ", Products # 0505-0126 OR # 0505-0159: AccuPlex SARS-CoV-2 Reference Material Kits. For more information, go to www.coventrycleanroom.com or contact Mark Quigley, Chemtronics Life Sciences Manager, at mquigley@itwcce.com or 310-741-0056. Breath (performed by a qualified, trained operator under the supervision of a healthcare provider licensed or authorized by state law to prescribe tests). Swab both nostrils five. While rotating the swab by rolling the handle in the fingertips, gently insert the swab less than one inch (about 2 cm) into the nostril. Please note that these materials are not international standard materials. Manufacturers of 3D printed sterile swabs are required to comply with quality system regulation (21 CFR Part 820). Home specimen collection methods may also be used as part of an IRB approved study. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is directly distributing nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs, based on state and territory testing plans that were submitted in response to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act requirements. When swabbing the nose for rapid at-home COVID-19 tests, the sample must be collected from cells on your nasal walls. Some of the specimen types listed below will not be appropriate for all tests. The FDA believes that sample collection with a flocked swab, when available, is preferred. At this time, there are no dedicated neonatal nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs available in Ontario. WARNING: Media containing guanidine thiocyanate or similar chemicals, including Longhorn PrimeStore MTM, Zymo DNA/RNA Shield, as well as that found in the Spectrum Solutions Saliva Collection Device, should not be used with in vitro diagnostic platforms that use bleach (sodium hypochlorite) in the testing platform or during laboratory processes. Efficient, repeatable & more comfortable sterile sampling swabs for COVID-19, etc. 1 offer from $17.29. Influenza Specimen Collection infographic. . Gently and slowly insert a minitip swab with a flexible shaft (wire or plastic) through the nostril parallel to the palate (not upwards) until resistance is encountered or the distance is equivalent to that from the ear to the nostril of the patient, indicating contact with the nasopharynx. CDC recommends collecting only the NP specimen, although an OP specimen is an acceptable specimen type. Product # 52036: Armored RNA Quant SARS-CoV-2 Panel. The Agency is aware that devices produced at different 3D printing facilities can have different characteristics that may affect safety and effectiveness even when using the same printers, resin, and design. At least four of these sweeping circular motions should be performed in each nostril. Gamma irradiation Gamma irradiation sterilization uses a radioactive material that emits high energy gamma rays, which breaks down the DNA within the bacteria or viruses. A negative test means you probably did not have COVID-19 at the time of the test. Peel apart the handle-side of the package. Upon request, Twist Bioscience can manufacture synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA controls for any new strains as they evolve. Wash and dry hands thoroughly or perform hand hygiene immediately after removal of gloves and before touching medical supplies intended for use on other persons. (see fig 3). As explained in this guidance, FDA does not intend to object to the distribution and use of commercial VTM under certain circumstances. Remove the swab from the nose slowly and carefully while rolling it in your fingertips. Note: Follow manufacturers instructions when using another collection device. Educate the patient about the difference between sputum (deep cough) and oral secretions (saliva/spit). These products contain recombinant Alphavirus encapsulating synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA targets (#0505-0126 contains ORF1a/RdRp/E/N; #0505-0159 is full genome that is non-infectious and replication-deficient). This product is intended for use with Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay on the GeneXpert Systems (Cepheid). The head material structure is linear and open which both facilitates rapid absorption and thorough release of the specimen into analyzing solutions. A: The FDA issued the Enforcement Policy for Viral Transport Media During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency to help address transport media availability concerns . Flocking (brush-like nylon fibers) is ideal for sample collection from irregular surfaces. Change gloves between contacts with each person being tested. Early in the pandemic, the. Instructions for collecting an NP specimen (performed by a trained healthcare provider): Instructions for collecting an OP specimen (performed by a trained healthcare provider): Nasal mid-turbinate (NMT) specimen (performed by a healthcare provider or the patient after reviewing and following collection instructions): Anterior nasal specimen (performed by a healthcare provider or the patient after reviewing and following the collection instructions): For a visual guide, see the How To Collect An Anterior Nasal Swab Specimen For COVID-19 Testing infographic [371 KB, 2 pages]. This product is a DNA plasmid containing a portion of the RPP30 gene. Personnel must be trained to pack and ship according to the regulations and in a manner that corresponds to their function-specific responsibilities. More information is available, Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People, Assessing Validity of Specimens Obtained Through Self-Collection, Handling Bulk-Packaged Sterile Swabs Properly for Upper Respiratory Specimen Collection, Storing and Shipping Respiratory Specimens, Capillary Fingerstick Specimen Collection, Nasal Mid-Turbinate (NMT) Specimen Collection Steps, How to Collect a Nasal Mid-Turbinate Specimen for COVID-19 Testing infographic, How To Collect An Anterior Nasal Swab Specimen For COVID-19 Testing infographic. Use the manufacturer-provided collection device or a disposable, single-use lancet that retracts upon puncture for performing the fingerstick. To find out more or withdraw your consent to all or some of the cookies, please refer to the, Coventry 12820 Precision Cleaning Solvent, Static Free Mat and Benchtop Reconditioner, CircuitWorks Conformal Coating Remover Pen, CircuitWorks Epoxy Overcoat (Adhesive Syringe), Chemask HV - High Viscosity Peelable Solder Mask, Chemask WF Water Filterable Solder Mask, FOCCUS Transportable I & M Fiber Optic Cleaning Kit, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/guidelines-clinical-specimens.html. Product # NR-52285: Genomic RNA from SARS-Related Coronavirus 2, Isolate USA-WA1/2020, Product # VR-1986D: Genomic RNA from Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (strain 2019-nCoV/USA-WA1/2020), Product # VR-1992D: Genomic RNA from Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (strain 2019-nCoV/Italy-INMI1), Product # MBC137-R: Amplirun SARS-CoV-2 CONTROL. (11/15/21), There is a risk of exposure to harmful cyanide gas, a by-product of a reaction between guanidine thiocyanate and similar chemicals used in certain transport media and bleach (sodium hypochlorite) used in certain SARS-CoV2 testing platforms or laboratory processes, Q: If I do not have assay positive control material, how can I obtain it? For additional information, see the FDA's Letter to Health Care Providers, issued October 7, 2020, on providing clear instructions to patients who self-collect an anterior nares nasal sample in a health care setting for SARS-CoV-2 testing. Some diagnostic tests use other samples such as mid-turbinate, nasopharyngeal,. A SARS-CoV-2 full-length, synthetic genome (Wuhan-Hu-1 strain; GenBank number MN908947.3), cloned in a bacterial artificial chromosome. The purpose of the CATCH Study is to better understand the demographics of COVID-19 infection, as well as to determine if at-home sample-collection kits could boost access to . Links provided are for information purposes only and are not a recommendation by FDA to use that product. Each facility should conduct a site- and activity-specific risk assessment of the procedures performed, identifying the hazards involved in the process, the competency level of the personnel performing the methods, and the laboratory facility. Upon request, Codex DNA can manufacture desired synthetic DNA and RNA constructs to support customers' COVID-19 related needs. Product # 10006626: Hs_RPP30 Positive Control. Each pellet contains A549 lung epithelial cells. If needed, apply self-adhering latex-fee adhesive strip to site. Observation of self-administered nasal swabs by health care providers: Washington law does not require a licensed health care provider to observe an individual performing their own swab for a COVID-19 test. These materials have been proven to be safe as well as effective at absorbing fluids and detecting pathogens like COVID-19. There are three main kinds of Covid nasal swab tests: nasopharyngeal (the deepest), mid-turbinate (the middle) and anterior nares (the shallow part of your nose). Interim Guidelines for Collecting and Handling of Clinical Specimens for COVID-19 Testing, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While gently rotating the swab, insert swab less than one inch (about 2 cm) into nostril parallel to the palate (not upwards)until resistance is met at turbinates. NP swab is the reference sampling method for SARS CoV2 diagnosis, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Center for Diseases Control Prevention, 2020; WHO, 2020a,b).The CDC only endorses the use of synthetic fiber-tipped swabs like rayon or nylon swabs on their recent guidelines for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis . This product contains targets within the E/N/S/ORF1ab/RdRp regions. Added new language on ordering swabs and media, assessing specimens obtained through self-collection, and transporting specimens through pneumatic tube systems. Product # SC2-RNAC-1100: Synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA Controls, overlapping. Insert the swab at least (1 cm) inside the nostril (Fig 10) and firmly sample the sides of the nasal interior by rotating the swab. . There is not a single formulation that these types of media use, and they can consist of proprietary formulations intended to enhance inactivation and stabilization performance. For the various testing methods detailed above, the CDC guidelines recommend the head material be made of synthetic material, and specifies flocked surfaces for all but oropharyngeal sampling. In Australia, PCR tests are used to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infections. #2. FDA encourages other suppliers of test materials to email COVID19DX@fda.hhs.gov to discuss whether materials they have available may also be appropriate for use. Chemtronics Technical Support is available from: Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM EST. Follow the instructions as explicitly described within the tests Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Instructions for Use. This product contains recombinant Alphavirus encapsulating a synthetic, full SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome, which is non-infectious and replication-deficient. Ethylene oxide (EtO or EO) - EtO is a sterilization method that utilizes medium temperatures between 99-145F (3763C), which creates a chemical reaction of proteins and DNA within the bacteria or viruses. The head material structure is linear and open, which facilitates rapid absorption and thorough release of specimen into analyzing solution (Fig 12). Follow the manufacturers instructions if using their collection device. The shallow nasal swabs used in schools are comfortable and most can be performed by students themselves. The type of specimen collected when testing for current or past infection with SARS-CoV-2 is based on the test being performed and its manufacturers instructions. Sampling procedures and guidelines - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/guidelines-clinical-specimens.html, Figures 2-4, 6, 8 - https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/professionals/flu-specimen-collection-poster.pdf, Sterilization methods - https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/pdf/guidelines/disinfection-guidelines-H.pdf. Please note that this policy does not apply to multi-analyte diagnostic tests that have been issued an EUA and are intended to diagnose and differentiate SARS-CoV-2 infection from other viruses, including influenza viruses and RSV. Then rotate the swab several times against nasal wall (Fig 8). Microfiber provides high surface area for rapid capillary absorption of fluid specimens. (accessed July 23, 2021) Other acceptable specimen types for COVID . The back of each package contains brief instructions (Fig 14). Later came anterior nares swabs the much less-invasive swabs just inside the nostril. The process for sterilizing COVID-19 swabs is highly regulated and completely safe. Take approximately 15 seconds to collect the specimen. The isolate is USA-WA1/2020, chemically inactivated. Once the bagged samples are ready to be processed, laboratory staff removes them from the biohazard containers and commences the intake processa visual inspection to ensure every sample includes a nasal swab and is properly identified and sealed. At least four of these sweeping circular motions should be performed in each nostril. Product # 52030: Armored RNA Quant SARS-CoV-2. It is important. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. . These specimens may have decreased sensitivity, so caution should be exercised when interpreting negative results. Swabs are sterilized through exposure to ethylene oxide gas for a short, controlled Myth 4: Testing is extremely uncomfortable because the swab has to go super deep into your nose. A nasal swab for a COVID-19 test can be difficult for anyone, especially kids. A special 6-inch cotton swab is inserted up each of your nostrils and moved around for about 15 seconds. In certain circumstances, one test type may be recommended over the other. Scientists use many of the same and similar test swabs to clinically sample for other diseases. To mitigate the supply issues, recommendations are two-fold: 1.Reduce demand for swab usage by: using a single swab for sampling throat then nose reduce level of testing for non-COVID. Collect 1-5 mL of saliva in a sterile, leak-proof screw cap container. RT-PCR is the gold-standard method to diagnose COVID-19. Simply twirling the swab against one part of the inside of the nose or leaving it in the nares region may not produce an adequate sample for testing, and therefore may decrease the sensitivity of the test. On October 13, 2020, FDA issued the Enforcement Policy for Modifications to FDA-Cleared Molecular Influenza and RSV Tests During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency. Specimens can be collected from both sides using the same swab, but it is not necessary to collect specimens from both sides if the minitip is saturated with fluid from the first collection. From this point, it will take about six hours of procedural time for PCR testing to be complete. The head material of the Coventry 66010ST Sterile Flocked Swab is a nylon microfiber with a polystyrene (or ABS) handle. #1. "The COVID anal swab test is *definitively* coming to the US and Europe," a cryptocurrency Twitter personality with almost 16,000 followers and a predilection for sharing anti-lockdown content . The swabs being used currently are nylon or foam, STAT reported. (11/15/21), Enforcement Policy for Viral Transport Media During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency, FAQs on Viral Transport Media During COVID-19, Enforcement Policy for Modifications to FDA-Cleared Molecular Influenza and RSV Tests During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency, Q: Which specimen types and swab types are used for COVID-19 diagnostic testing? The site is secure. You did not finish submitting your information to request a sample, Our website uses cookies. This guidance was issued to help address transport media availability concerns resulting from the COVID-19 public health emergency. Viral tests look for a current infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, by testing specimens from your nose or mouth. Flocking (brush-like nylon fibers) is ideal for sample collection from irregular surfaces. The COVID-19 test in schools uses a shallow nasal swab. Many primary care providers offer COVID-19 nasal swab testing, as are many urgent cares, walk-in-clinics and local testing sites. Nasal mid-turbinate swab was added as an acceptable specimen for home or onsite self-collection. Rub the swab head over tonsillar pillars and posterior oropharynx, while avoiding contact with the tongue, gums, and teeth. RT-PCR converts viral RNA to DNA and amplifies the genetic sequence, making. The nasopharyngeal swabs required for the coronavirus tests are quite different from your standard Q-tips and the exploding need for them has created a bottleneck in the soaring demand for. Testing for otherpathogens by the provider should be done as part of the initial evaluation, as indicated, but should not delay testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Sterile swabs that are exempt from premarket notification requirements do not need an emergency use authorization (EUA) to be distributed. To avoid contamination, follow these handling guidelines: Insert the swab into the transport medium and break the handle at the breakpoint after sampling. Collect 2-3 mL into a sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap sputum collection cup or sterile dry container. This is also available in its non-encapsulated form upon request. Flocked nylon fibers provide greater surface area to collect and absorb secretions, and it is also more comfortable than many alternatives. Sterile swabs should be used for the collection of upper respiratory specimens. CDC recommends that each laboratory perform a risk assessment before using the pneumatic tube system to transport suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 specimens. The procedure is often unpleasant, and the tests results require laboratory analysis. Angus Healthcare. The patient can then self-swab and place the swab in transport media or sterile transport device and seal. Press the fingerstick collection device or lancet firmly against side of the finger pad and activate to perform the puncture. This product contains a heat-inactivated Spanish clinical isolate of SARS-CoV-2 (strain EPI_ISL_429256) that was diluted in Universal Transport Media and spiked with human epithelial cells prior to lyophilization. Titan Biotech VTM Covid-19 Sample Collection Kit 1 Tube Of Viral Transport Media With 1 Swab. Additional information about the policies in this guidance can be found on FDA's FAQs on Viral Transport Media During COVID-19 webpage. Insert the entire collection tip of the swab provided (usually to of an inch, or 1 to 1.5 cm) inside the nostril. Chemtronics offers the Coventry 66010ST and 66120ST Sterile Flocked Swabs to efficiently collect biological fluids for elution and analysis. Since the beginning of the pandemic, COVID-19 nasal swab testing has been a popular choice as a sample type among the list of upper and lower respiratory specimens to be tested in CDC's guidance. Additionally, rayon swabs may not be compatible with all molecular testing platforms. Manufacturers may also wish to consider resources available through the NIH's 3D Print Exchange. The swabs were resuspended in 1 mL 1xPBS and stored at 4 C until testing. Simply twirling the swab or leaving it in the nares region may not produce an adequate sample for testing, and therefore may decrease the sensitivity of the test. The assay should not react to this negative control, but the CDC reagents did at many, but not all, state labs. Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. Chemtronics offers a line of Coventry Sterile Sampling Swabs [https://www.chemtronics.com/coventry-flocked-sampling-swab] that are FDA approved and manufactured and sterilized to the highest standard. Stay up-to-date on Chemtronics news, products, videos & more. Product # HE0060S: Helix Elite SARS-CoV-2 Synthetic RNA (N-gene targets), Product # 9006 or 9009: SARS-CoV-2 Synthetic RNA (N-gene targets), Product # 9019VP: SARS-CoV-2 Synthetic RNA (E/RdRp gene targets), Product # 9029VP: SARS-CoV-2 Synthetic RNA (S-gene targets), Product # VR-3276SD: Quantitative Synthetic SARS-CoV-2: ORF, E, N, Product # VR-3277SD: Quantitative Synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA: Spike 5', Product # VR-3278SD: Quantitative Synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA: Spike 3', Product # COV019: Exact Diagnostics SARS-CoV-2 Standard. Respiratory specimens should be collected as soon as a decision has been made to test someone, regardless of the time of symptom onset. Chemtronics offers the Coventry Sterile Flocked Swab (part #66010ST, see fig 7) that has been engineered to efficiently collect biological fluids for elution and analysis. Non-encapsulated synthetic full or near full genome length RNA: Twist Bioscience: Order following the instructions on the, Product SKU 102019: Twist Synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA Control 1 (MT007544.1). For healthcare providers who are handling specimens, but are not directly involved in collection (e.g. The following are the three most common methods of swab sterilization: Coventry Sampling Swabs come in individual sterile packaging. The swab should only be gripped by the part of the handle above the scored break-point. Extracted viral genomic RNA: Viral genomic RNA may be acquired through extraction of SARS-CoV-2 positive patient samples or acquired through commercial sources. (11/15/21), Q: If I do not have human extraction control material, how can I obtain it? If a deviated septum or blockage create difficulty in obtaining the specimen from one nostril, use the same swab to obtain the specimen from the other nostril. Multiple specimens from the same patient may be taken with a single swab. To avoid specimens being wasted, if a lab is presented with a specimen that was collected or identified in a sub-optimal manner (for example, with a swab type for which there is less evidence of its effectiveness than the swab types listed in this FAQ), it may be appropriate for the lab to accept the specimen for analysis and note the circumstances on the report. The CDC recommends a COVID-19 test called a nasopharyngeal swab for coronavirus. (4/22/20), Product # NR-52286: SARS-Related Coronavirus 2, Isolate USA-WA1/2020, Heat inactivated, Product # NR-52287: SARS-Related Coronavirus 2, Isolate USA-WA1/2020, Gamma-Irradiated, Product # VR-1986HK: Heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (strain 2019-nCoV/USA-WA1/2020), Product # NATSARS(COV2)-ERC: NATtrol SARS-Related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) External Run Control (6 X 0.5mL). standard operating procedure for the preparation of VTM, International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, U.S. Department of Transportations (DOT) Transporting Infectious Substances Safely, Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Biological Risk Assessment: General Considerations for Laboratories, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 6th Edition, Steps for Collecting Finger Stick Capillary Blood Using a Microtainer, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) (6th edition), Guidance for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care Testing, Guidance Proposed Use of Point-of-Care (POC) Testing Platforms for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Information for Clinicians on Influenza Virus Testing, Information on Collection of Respiratory Specimens for Influenza Virus Testing, WHO Guidelines on Drawing Blood: Best Practices in Phlebotomy, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), FAQ: Multiplex Assay for Flu and SARS-CoV-2 and Supplies, Hospitalization Surveillance Network COVID-NET, Laboratory-Confirmed Hospitalizations by Age, Demographics Characteristics & Medical Conditions, Seroprevalence Surveys in Special Populations, Large-Scale Geographic Seroprevalence Surveys, Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 During Pregnancy, Hospitalization and Death by Race/Ethnicity, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. More information is available, Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. Having a state-issued identification card available at the testing site will speed up the process immensely; however, no identification documents are required. But in. From the product sheet: "Note that the positive reference material may contain traces of RNase P and therefore generate a positive RNase P result; it is not designed or intended to be used as an RNase P reference material. Store extracted nucleic acid samples at -70C or lower. Close the bulk swab container after each swab removal and leave it closed when not in use to avoid accidental contamination. Sterile swabs for upper respiratory specimen collection may be packaged in one of two ways: When individually wrapped swabs are not available, bulk-packaged swabs may be used for specimen collection; however, care must be exercised to avoid SARS-CoV-2 contamination of any of the swabs in the bulk-packaged container. Have the patient rinse the mouth with water and then expectorate deep cough sputum directly into a sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap collection cup or sterile dry container. More information on labeling requirements can be found at on the General Device Labeling Requirements page. 100, 500 or 5000 Pack, Individually Packaged Sterile Nasopharyngeal Swabs; Nylon Flocked Tip. Point-of-care testing can be done directly in a hospital or doctor's office. Flocked nylon fibers provide greater surface area to collect and absorb secretion, and is also more comfortable than many alternatives. Insert the swab head into a sterile transport media tube, snap off the swab handle at the break-point, seal with the cap, and label the sample (Fig 4). Most COVID-19 testing swabs used in the U.S. are made mainly by two companies: Puritan Medical Products in Maine and a company in Italy, a coronavirus outbreak epicenter. 2,493. All specimen collection should be conducted with a sterile swab. The swabs that are currently used are nylon or foam. The head material structure is linear and open, which facilitates rapid absorption and thorough release of specimens into analyzing solutions. The head material of Coventry 66120ST Sterile Foam Swab is polyurethane foam with a polystyrene (or ABS) handle. A: Based on the available evidence at this time, the FDA believes that the following specimen types are appropriate for swab-based SARS-CoV-2 testing: Although all of the above options are appropriate for clinical testing, nasopharyngeal specimens are generally considered to yield the most sensitive test results and are therefore the preferred choice as a reference (comparator) for clinical investigations and validating new methodology. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.