Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Testing

Choose PCR

Specimens for testing are either first catch urine specimen from males and females or a vaginal/endocervical specimen.

URINE: Collect urine from patient who has not urinated for at least 1 hour prior to specimen collection. Do not use cleanse wipes before collecting specimen, instruct patient to collect 20 to 50cc or the initial urine stream. Urine specimens are collected into a sterile urine cup and then refrigerated. Urine can be transported to lab in original container and tested up to 24 hours after collection. If there is a delay in transporting specimens, the urine should be transferred into a Urine Transport Reagent tube.

Urine Transport Reagent Tube: Mix urine specimen in cup well. Open kit and remove the cap from the reagent tube and the urine cup. Insert transfer pipette, (included in kit) so tip is at the bottom of the cup. Transfer 7cc of urine into reagent tube. The correct volume of urine has been added when the level reaches the black dashed line on the label of the reagent tube. Replace cap on reagent tube and tighten securely. Invert tube 3 – 4 times to mix. Secure cap on urine cup. Label the reagent tube with proper label and send to CH of SA laboratory.

Vaginal.Endocervical : Open the outer package of the collection kit, the kit contains 2 packages. The large swab is for cleaning and used if necessary to remove excess mucus – discard after use. Open the package that contains the pink capped reagent tube and individually wrapped swab. Set tube aside before collecting sample. Open the collection swab wrapper by peeling open the top of the wrapper. Remove swab, being careful not to contaminate swab by setting it down or dropped. If the swab is contaminated, do not use. Carefully swab vagina for 10 to 30 sec, ensuring that swab touches walls of vagina so moisture is absorbed. While holding swab, unscrew lip on reagent tube taking care not to spill contents of tube. If a spill occurs, request a new collection kit, as decreased media could affect test results. Immediately place specimen collection swab into the reagent tube and break at score-line. Discard top portion of stick and recap tube. Tighten lid and gently invert 3-4 times. Label tube and send to CH of SA lab for testing.

Caution: If contents of reagent tube are spilled on skin, wash affected area immediately with soap and water. If contents are splashed into eyes, wash immediately. Spilled reagent tubes may produce invalid results and should not be used.

Eye specimens are under evaluation at this time. A swab for chlamydia culture must be collected and put into Viral transport media. Please call the microbiology department for further instructions at 210 704 3059.

We are offering this new service as part of our continuing effort to help you provide high quality, innovative and cost-effective patient care.

Should you have questions and comments please contact the Clinical Laboratory Microbiology Dept. at 210-704-3059 or Dr. DeNapoli at 210 704 3144.

We are using the Cepheid tests (highlighted in green)

Vaginal Swab - red Urine Collection - yellow