Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae RNA, TMA, Conjunctiva

Test Code
13525


CPT Codes
87491, 87591

Preferred Specimen
1 conjunctival swab in Aptima® transport tube or UTM


Minimum Volume
1 swab


Instructions
Specimens must be collected using an Aptima Multi-Test collection kit (orange label), Aptima Unisex Swab specimen collection kit (white label), or UTM. To ensure collection of an adequate specimen, epithelial cells lining the conjunctiva should be obtained. To that effect, a cleaning swab should be used to remove and discard excess mucus prior to specimen collection. Submit one swab per collection tube.

Note: Results from the Aptima Combo 2 Assay should be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical data available to the clinician.

The Aptima Combo 2 Assay is not intended for the evaluation of suspected sexual abuse or for other medico-legal indications.

For a complete list of assay limitations we recommend that you review the manufacturers package insert, https://www.hologic.com/package-inserts/diagnostic-products/aptima-combo-2-assay-ctng


Transport Container
Aptima Transport Tube or UTM


Transport Temperature
Room temperature


Specimen Stability
Aptima Transport Tube
Room temperature: 30 days
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 30 days

UTM
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Transport tube with 2 swabs • Aptima transport tube with non-Aptima swabs


Methodology
Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA)

Setup Schedule
Daily


Report Available
2-4 days


Reference Range
Chlamydia trachomatis RNA, TMA, ConjunctivaNot Detected
Neisseria gonorrhoeae RNA, TMA, ConjunctivaNot Detected


Clinical Significance
This assay is intended for the qualitative detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in ocular (conjunctival) specimens from patients suspected of having infectious conjunctivitis caused by C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae. It does not detect Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) pneumoniae or other Chlamydia species.

C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae are two of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infections, and both organisms can cause infectious conjunctivitis. Newborns are especially at risk for C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae conjunctivitis if born to a mother with a genital infection.

Symptoms of C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae conjunctivitis may include eye redness, eye lid swelling, and discharge. Symptoms in newborns infected at birth typically appear within two weeks.

A Not Detected (negative) result means that C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae RNA was not present in the specimen above the limit of detection. A negative result does not rule out the possibility of infection and should not be used as the sole basis for patient management decisions.

1. CDC Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR July 23, 2021.
2. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) in Newborns. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last Reviewed: January 4, 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/newborns.html#:~:text=Conjunctivitis%20(Pink%20Eye)%20in%20Newborns&text=Newborns%20with%20symptoms%20of%20conjunctivitis,conjunctivitis%20can%20be%20very%20serious
3. Kreisel, K. et al. Keeping an Eye on Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Conjunctivitis in Infants in the United States, 2010-2015. Sex Transm Dis. 2017 Jun; 44(6): 356-358.


Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.