Specimen Requirements

Specimen source is required.Submit only 1 of the following specimens: Specimen Type: Cervix, endocervix, or vaginaContainer/Tube: Sterile swab in sterile culture transport tubeSpecimen Volume:SwabCollection 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 culture transport tube.5.Label tube 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 or unsterile container.Specimen Type: Urethra (males)Container/Tube:Sterilemini-tip swab in sterile culture transport tubeSpecimen Volume:SwabCollection Instructions: 1. Collect discharge specimen 1 hour or more after urination. If no discharge is available, collect specimen from anterior urethra.>2. Insert 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. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube.5. Label tube 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 or unsterile container.Additional Information:Prostatic culture is less informative than urethral culture.