Step-by-Step Guide

Loading your Straw

Materials Included in Pack:

  • Sterile chuck pad

  • Saline rinse

  • Sterile gauze

  • Sterile syringe

  • Straw

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before handling any materials.

  • Open the pack on a clean, flat surface.

  • Use the sterile chuck pad to lay out all supplies.

  • Open the saline rinse by twisting off the top.

  • Insert the tip of the saline rinse into the female end (wider opening) of the straw.

  • Gently squeeze the saline through the straw, allowing it to flush out onto the sterile gauze pad.

  • Use the saline-soaked gauze to wipe the outside of the straw, ensuring it is clean.

Step 2: Prepare the Straw

Step 3: Prepare the Syringe

  • Remove the sterile syringe from its paper sleeve.

  • Pull the plunger to fill the syringe with air (this helps with smooth operation).

  • Test the syringe movement by pushing and pulling the plunger a few times to get comfortable.

Step 4: Attach the Syringe to the Straw

  • Firmly connect the syringe to the female end of the straw.

  • Push the air through the straw to ensure it’s clear.

Step 5: Load the Sample

  • Pull the syringe plunger back to the 0.1 mark (the first large line).

  • Carefully open your sample tube and place the straw tip at the bottom.

  • Slowly pull the plunger up to draw the entire sample into the straw (should reach around the 0.6 mark—exact amount may vary).

  • Important: Do not detach the syringe, or the sample will be lost.

Step 6: Add an Air Buffer

  • Pull the plunger back slightly to draw 0.1 of air (now at the 0.7 mark).

  • Important: Do not detach the syringe, or the sample will be lost.

Step 7: Deposit the Sample

  • Once in position, slowly push the plunger to deposit the sample.

  • Important: Do not detach the syringe, or the sample will be lost.

  • Rest for 30 minutes before disposing of materials.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly after completion.