Taking aspirate samples from nasopharyngeal region is important for investigation purposes

The normal procedure is as below

Method

• This procedure should be done before feeding so to reduce false organisms
• It is very important to make sure that there are resuscitation items like oxygen and bag and mask in case the child goes into apnoea
• Now connect the device to the suction

The ideal suction used is as below

• Neonates    60 to 80 mm Hg
• Infants       80 to 100 mmHg
• Children    100 to 120mm Hg

• The child/ infant have to be lying down on the examination couch or can be lying on the parents lap.
• Extend the neck slightly (sniffing position)
• In tiny babies you can wrap them in a cloth to restrict hand movements
• Pass the suction catheter from nostril inwards to the pharynx without the suction being turned on.
• The suction should always be applied when drawing the tube outwards.
• The aim is to get 0.5 to 1 ml of secretions into the tube.
• You can add 5 ml of sterile normal saline to it
• Send the sample to the lab immediately for investigations after appropriate marking

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