Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Vaginal (Cervical/Vaginal)

Container/Tube: Cepheid GBS Collection Device; swabs in transport container

Specimen Volume: Swabs

Collection Instructions:

1. Wipe away excessive amounts of secretion or discharge.

2. Remove both marked swabs from transport container.

3. Carefully insert both marked swabs into vagina. Sample secretions from mucosa of lower 1/3 of vagina. Rotate swabs 3 times to ensure uniform specimen on both swabs.

4. Using same marked swabs, carefully insert both swabs approximately 2.5 cm beyond anal sphincter, and gently rotate to sample anal crypts.

5. Place both marked swabs in transport container.

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

7. If specimen will be processed within 24 hours, store at ambient temperature. If >24 hours, refrigerate specimen until testing is performed. Specimen stored at 2° C to 8° C is stable for up to 6 days.

Specimen Type:  Vaginal introitus and anoretum (vaginal/rectum)

Container/Tube: Vaginal/Rectal combination swab; Eswab or Culture transport swab with either Stuart or Amies liquid medium

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Wipe away excessive amounts of secretion or discharge.

2. Remove swab from transport container.

3. Carefully insert swab into vagina. Sample secretions from mucosa of lower 1/3 of vagina. Rotate swabs 3 times to ensure uniform specimen.

4. Using same swab, carefully insert swab approximately 2.5 cm beyond anal sphincter, and gently rotate to sample anal crypts.

5. Place swab in transport container.

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

7. If specimen will be processed in LIM broth for enrichment within 24 hours, store at ambient temperature. If >24 hours, refrigerate specimen in LIM broth for enrichment until testing is performed. Specimen stored at 2° C to 8° C is stable for up to 6 days.