Specimen Requirements

Acceptable Specimens:

Physician or self-collected vaginal swabs (female only)- In a clinical setting 

NOTE: If collecting a swab sample in conjunction with CT/NG testing (LAB7526), please provide 2 seperate swab collection kits. One for each test to ensure adequate specimen for testing.

Physician or Patient –collected Vaginal Swab:

1.  Remove and discard the large individually wrapped cleaning swab. (For Endocervical collection only)

2.  Using the swab from the collection packet, (instruct patient) or have physician carefully insert swab into vagina about 2 inches inside the opening of the vagina and gently rotate swab for 10 to 30 seconds.  Ensure the swab touches the walls of the vagina so that moisture is absorbed by the swab.

3.  Withdraw swab carefully.

4.  Aseptically remove cap from tube, insert swab into Collection Transport Reagent tube, and break swab at score line.  Screw cap on securely.

5.  Label specimen and send to the care provider.

6.  Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature.  Specimen stability is 42 days at 2 to 28°C.

Note:  Indicate specimen source on specimen container and in computer.