Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive within 24 hours of collection.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Cervix, Endocervix, or Vaginal
1. Do not use lubricant on speculum.
2. Cervical mucus should be removed first before inserting swab into endocervical canal.
3. Move swab from side to side. Avoid touching swab to uninfected surface.
4. Place swab in sterile Fisherbrand® transport tube with Stuart’s transport media to ensure specimen preservation.
5. Label tube with patient’s full name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if available), date and time of collection, location of patient, and type of specimen.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note:  1. See “Microbiology” in “Special Instructions.”

2. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Urethra (Males Only)
1. Collect discharge specimen ≥1 hour after urination using a swab.
2. If no discharge is available, use a mini-tip swab and collect specimen from anterior urethra.
3. Insert mini-tip swab 2 cm to 4 cm into urethra.
4. Rotate swab so that it comes into contact with all urethral surfaces. Leave swab inserted 2 to 3 seconds before removing.
5. Place swab in sterile Fisherbrand® transport tube with Stuart’s transport media to ensure specimen preservation.
6. Label tube with patient’s full name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if available), date and time of collection, location of patient, and type of specimen.
7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note:  1. See “Microbiology” in “Special Instructions.”

2. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.