Specimen Requirements

Specimen source is required. Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Anal canal

Container/Tube: Sterile swab or agar plate

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect specimen from crypts just inside anal ring or by anoscopy to collect mucopurulent exudate directly.

2. Specimen should be transported to laboratory immediately, or plated directly onto modified Thayer-Martin agar. Before inoculating plate, check to make sure it is not dried out.

3.Label swab or plate with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.

4. Rejection criteria include delay in transport of >24 hours in culturette,unsterile container, or dried out agar plate.

Specimen Type: Cervix, endocervix, or vagina

Container/Tube: Sterile swab or agar plate

Collection Instructions:

1. Do not use lubricant on speculum.

2. Cervical mucus should be removed first before inserting a sterile swab into endocervical canal.

3. Move swab from side-to-side. Avoid touching swab to uninfected surface.

4. Specimen should be transported to laboratory immediately, or plated directly onto modified Thayer-Martin agar. Before inoculating plate, check to make sure it is not dried out.

5.Label swab or plate with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.

6. Rejection criteria include delay in transport of >24 hours in culturette,unsterile container, or dried out agar plate.

Specimen Type: NasopharyngealContainer/Tube: Sterile swab

Collection Instructions:

1.Holding swab between thumb and forefinger of 1 hand and sheath in other hand, give soft wire a 10° to 20° bend. This slight curve fits nose better, making procedure more comfortable for patient.

2. Slide swab along floor of nose (hand down by patient’s chin to start swab) with very light pressure to nasopharyngeal wall.

3. Rotate swab, leave in place for 1 minute, and remove along floor of nose.

4. Specimen should be transported to laboratory immediately, or plated directly onto modified Thayer-Martin agar. Before inoculating plate, check to make sure it is not dried out.

5. Label swab or plate with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.

6. Rejection criteria include delay in transport of >24 hours in culturette, unsterile container, or dried out agar plate.

Specimen Type: Pus, serous fluid, or synovial fluid

Container/Tube: Sterile container or agar plate

Collection Instructions:

1. Specimen should be transported to laboratory immediately, or plated directly onto modified Thayer-Martin agar. Before inoculating plate, check to make sure it is not dried out.

2. Label container or plate with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.

3. Rejection criteria include delay in transport of >24 hours in culturette, unsterile container, or dried out agar plate.

Specimen Type: Urethra (males)

Container/Tube: Sterile mini-tip swab or agar plate

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect specimen 1 hour or more after urination. It may be collected from discharge. If no discharge is present, a sterile nasopharyngeal-type swab may be used to obtain specimen from anterior urethra.

2. Insert mini-tip swab 2 to 4 cm into urethra.

3. Rotate swab so that it comes into contact with all urethral surfaces. Leave swab inserted 2 to 3 seconds and remove.

4. Specimen should be transported to laboratory immediately, or plated directly onto modified Thayer-Martin agar. Before inoculating plate, check to make sure it is not dried out.

5. Label swab or plate with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.

6. Rejection criteria include delay in transport of >24 hours in culturette, unsterile container, or dried out agar plate.

Additional Information: Prostatic culture is less informative than urethral culture.