Before you begin, you will need:

1. A ballpoint pen
2. A mirror
3. A place to wash and dry your hands.

Your kit should contain 1 of each of the below. If you notice anything missing or damaged, do not use the kit. Instead return it to your Testing Coordinator who will provide you with a new kit.

1. Biohazard bag with silver seal
2. Plastic tube with a turquoise cap and a small amount of clear liquid. This liquid should remain in the tube at all times.
3. Swab inside a sealed wrapper
4. Small white silica packet with writing.

1. Blow your nose and cough into a tissue. Throw the tissue away.
2. Wash your hand thoroughly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds and then dry completely using a paper towel.
3. Find a clear space with a mirror close by. Prepare your area by disinfecting it and dry it completely before unpacking your kit.
4. Unpack the kit onto your clean surface.
5. Using the mirror, look inside your mouth and find your tonsils at the back of your throat. Your tonsils (or where they were if they have been removed) are where you will swab for your sample.

1. Gently open the swab packet and remove the swab by the plastic stem, Do not allow anything to touch the fabric swab tip.
2. Using the mirror to help, open your mouth wide and gently rub the swab over both tonsils at the back of your throat for 10 seconds. Taking the sample my cause gagging and minor discomfort, but it should not hurt.
3. Put the same end of the swab gently into your nostril about 2.5cm (1inch) or until you feel some resistance. Rotate the swab for 10 - 15 seconds. You only need to swab one nostril. Taking the sample may feel uncomfortable but do not insert the swab any deeper if you feel strong resistance or pain.
4. Place the swab, fabric tip down, straight into the tube with the liquid. Snap off the stick of the swab at the breakpoint so it fits easily inside the tube without bending. Securely screw the cap onto the tube so that the liquid does not leak.

1. Using ballpoint pen, write your unique identification number on the tube AND on the biohazard bag. Do NOT write your name.
2. Place the tube and silica packet into the biohazard bag.
3. Seal the bag using the silver seal
4. Return the seal bag to your Testing Coordinator and then wash your hands