Specimen Required

Specimens are to be collected by physicians or other caregivers

For Cervical collection:

-Clear away vaginal mucus and exudate.  Do not antimicrobial lubricants on the speculum

-Using an Eswab or other collection swab suitable for culture, sample the endocervical canal, being sure to avoid the vaginal walls during collection.

For Vaginal collection:

-Using an Eswab or other collection swab suitable for culture, sample the fluid form the vagina.

For Urethral collection:

-If exudate is present, express the exudate onto a mini-tip Eswab or other collection swab suitable for culture, from distal urethra.

-If exudate is not present, collect swab at least 1 hour after urination.  

-Wipe the area clean and insert the mini-tip swab 2-4cm into the endourethra.  Gently rotate the swab and leave in place for 2-4 seconds, then slowly withdraw.

-Label swab with patient name (first and last) or other unique identifier, patient hospital
identification number,  date and time of collection, collector initials, and test(s) being
ordered.
-Promptly forward specimen to laboratory at ambient temperature.