Abstract: Apparatus and methods for withdrawing nasopharyngeal fluid samples from a patient are disclosed. A kit including a catheter and a manual suction device is disclosed, wherein the catheter can be self-navigating and define aspiration holes through which aspiration fluid can be emitted and nasopharyngeal fluid samples can be withdrawn. The catheter may also include an insertion depth scale to ensure patient comfort and optimum sample quality. The methods for obtaining nasopharyngeal fluid samples include the steps of inserting the catheter into a patient's nasopharynx, and aspirating the nasal pharynx to withdraw a specimen.