Nasopharyngeal Swab:  While holding the patient's head, insert a nasal speculum.  Carefully insert a small flexible wire polyester-tipped nasopharyngeal swab, moistened with sterile water or saline, into one of the patient's nares.  Guide the swab forward and slightly up-ward into the posterior nasopharynx.  Gently rotate the swab (keeping the swab near the septum and floor of the nose) and leave in place for 20 - 30 seconds.  Gently remove the swab and place in Regan Lowe transport medium.
 
Alternate Method: A polyester-tipped swab may also be bent at right angle near the tip (bend against the inside of the sterile tube container or while still in sterile wrap) and then inserted through the mouth and behind the uvula and soft palate into the nasopharynx.  Care must be taken to avoid mouth and throat contamination.  Gently remove swab and place in Regan Lowe transport medium.