Viability of respiratory pathogens cultured from nasopharyngeal swabs stored for up to 12 years at − 70 °C in skim milk tryptone glucose glycerol broth

► Respiratory pathogens in NP swabs remain viable for 12 years in ultra-freeze storage. ► Pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis all remain viable. ► Additional valuable studies can be conducted without further specimen collection.