Specimen Requirements

Acceptable Specimens:
Cervix, endocervix, urethra, or vagina

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Cervix, Endocervix, or Vagina

Collect swab specimen as follows:

1. Obtain specimen from infected site.
2. Wipe away excess secretion or discharge.

3. Insert a large sterile swab into vagina and swab cervix, endocervix, or vaginal wall.

4. Return swab to a screw-capped, sterile container with 1 mL of saline.
5. Label container 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 at ambient temperature only.
Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Urethra (Males Only)

Collect swab specimen as follows:

1. Obtain specimen from infected site.
2. Wipe away excess secretion or discharge.

3. Insert urethrogenital swab (ie, BBL^TM CultureSwab^TM) 2 cm to 4 cm into urethral lumen, rotate, and leave in place for at least 2 seconds.

4. Withdraw swab.

5. Return swab to a screw-capped, sterile container with 1 mL of saline.
6. Label container 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 at ambient temperature only.
Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.