Culture, GC Screen

Specimen source is required.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Conjunctival

Container/Tube: Blue swab in viral transport media tube

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions: 

1. If pus or discharge is present, remove from conjunctiva using a sterile cleaning swab and discard.

2. If both eyes are affected, first swab least affected eye then swab most affected eye, thoroughly swabbing lower then upper conjunctiva 2 to 3 times.

3. Insert swab into viral transport media tube.

4. Break swab at score line so it fits into closed tube, and cap tube.

5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Specimen Type: Endocervix

Container/Tube: Pink swab in viral transport media tube

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions: 

1. Remove excess mucus from cervical os with large-tipped cleaning swab and discard.
2. Insert small-tipped swab into cervical canal and rotate for 10 to 30 seconds.

3. Withdraw swab carefully. Avoid contact with vaginal mucosa.
4. Insert swab into viral transport media tube.

5. Break swab at score line so it fits into closed tube, and cap tube.

6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Specimen Type: Urethra (males only)

Container/Tube: Blue swab in viral transport media tube

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions: 

1. Patient should not have urinated for at least 1 hour prior to specimen collection.
2. Insert culture swab 2 to 4 cm into urethra, and rotate for 3 to 5 seconds ensuring swab comes into contact with all urethral surfaces.
3. Insert swab into viral transport media tube.

4. Break swab at score line so it fits into closed tube, and cap tube.

5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.