Specimen Requirements

Preferred:
Container/Tube: Aptima® Collection Kit
Minimum Volume: N/A
Collection Instructions: See below.

Endocervix (Females Only)

Collect specimen using Aptima® Collection Kit as follows:
1. Remove excess mucus from exocervix with 1 swab provided in collection kit, and discard.
2. Insert second swab into endocervix and rotate swab for 15 to 30 seconds to ensure adequate sampling.
3. Verify that all swab specimen transport buffer is at bottom of tube. If necessary, tap or shake solution down to bottom of tube. Unscrew cap of transport tube, insert swab into transport tube, and break swab at score line. Replace cap securely.
4. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth or medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

5. Send specimen refrigerated.
Note:  1. Specimen source is required.
2. This test should not be used for diagnosis of genital tract infections in prepubertal children for possible evaluation of sexual abuse.

3. Spermicidal agents and feminine powder sprays interfere with assay and should not be used prior to collection.

Urethra (Males Only)
Collect specimen using Aptima® Collection Kit as follows:
1. Insert small-tipped specimen swab 2 cm to 4 cm into urethra, and rotate swab for 3 to 5 seconds to ensure adequate sampling.
2. Verify that all swab specimen transport buffer is at bottom of tube. If necessary, tap or shake solution down to bottom of tube. Unscrew cap of transport tube, insert swab into transport tube, and break swab at score line. Replace cap securely.

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

4. Send specimen refrigerated.
Note:  1. Specimen source is required.
2. This test should not be used for diagnosis of genital tract infections in prepubertal children for possible evaluation of sexual abuse.

3. Spermicidal agents and feminine powder sprays interfere with assay and should not be used prior to collection.