Additional Specimen Instructions

NP Swab specimen collection: Gently insert swab into nostril with the patient’s neck in an extended position. Pass the swab along the floor of the nose until it contacts the posterior nasopharyngeal wall and gently rotate for 5 seconds to absorb secretions.  Place swab in universal/viral transport media tube, immersing swab in the liquid.

Oropharyngeal swabs (Dacron tip or flocked polyester fiber) in VTM/UTM are also acceptable. 

Infection Prevention: Patients who may have measles should be managed under airborne infection isolation.

Public health reporting:  Suspected cases of measles should immediately reported to NH DPHS at (603) 271-4496. If you are calling after hours or on the weekend, please call the New Hampshire Hospital switchboard at (603) 271- 5300 and request the Public Health Nurse on-call.