Specimen Requirements

Specimen must be received in laboratory within 24 hours of collection.

Specimen source is required.

If there is a special organism(s) to be tested for, indicate on request form.

Refrigerated specimens are not suitable for isolation of Neisseria species.

Acceptable Specimens: Genital

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Genital; cervix, endocervix, or vagina

Container/Tube: Swab transport system (Culturette) in sterile transport tube, E-Swab, charcoal culturette

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

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 transport tube. Charcoal swabs are acceptable but not mandatory. Eswabs (liquid Amies)  is approved for N. gonorrhoea if received within 24 hours of collection.

5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Specimen Type: Genital, urethra (males)

Container/Tube: Swab transport system (Culturette) in sterile transport tube, E-Swab, charcoal culturette.

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:
1. Collect discharge specimen 1 hour or more after urination using a charcoal Culturette swab or Eswab (liquid Amies).
2. If no discharge is available, use a mini-tip swab and collect specimen from anterior urethra.
3. Insert mini-tip swab 2 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 transport tube. (Charcoal or Eswab).

6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.