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Bacterial Vaginosis/Vaginitis Panel
Test Code14577
CPT Codes
87480, 87510, 87660<br><strong>This test is not available for Maryland, New York, Rhode Island or Florida patient testing.</strong>
Includes
Candida species, Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis
Preferred Specimen
Vaginal swab collected in AFFIRM™ VPIII Ambient Temperature Transport System (ATTS)
Instructions
Open the seal on outer plastic pouch of AFFIRM™ VPIII Ambient Temperature Transport System (ATTS) and remove all components. Each plastic pouch contains enough material for the collection and transport of one vaginal specimen. Tear open the foil pouch and remove the ATTS Reagent dropper. Break ampoule in ATTS Reagent Dropper by firmly squeezing the vial with finger and thumb. Break ampoule close to its center one time only. Do not manipulate dropper any further as the plastic may puncture and injury may occur. Dispense reagent from ATTS Reagent Dropper into Sample Collection Tube (SCT). Peel wrapper to expose patient swab. Remove swab. Discard wrapper.
Vaginal Sample Collection:
* Label the Sample Collection Tube (SCT) with the patient identification information. Include the time and date the sample was collected.
* Place the patient in position for a pelvic examination. Insert an UNLUBRICATED speculum (without jelly or water) into the vagina to permit visualization of the posterior vaginal fornix.
* Using the sterile polyester [Dacron™] swab obtain a sample from the posterior vaginal fornix. Twist or roll the swab against the vaginal wall two or three times, ensuring the entire circumference of the swab has touched the vaginal wall. Swab the lateral vaginal wall while removing the swab.
* Immediately place the swab into the Sample Collection Tube (SCT) containing the ATTS reagent.
* With the swab touching the BOTTOM of the collection tube, grasp the pre-scored handle of the swab just above the top of the tube and bend until the swab breaks. When the swab is fully inserted into the collection tube, the score mark on the swab is approximately 1 cm above the collection tube. Discard the broken handle into an infectious waste container. Place the cap over the exposed end of the swab and firmly press the cap onto the tube. The cap will "snap" onto the tube when it is properly sealed. For specimen collection, use ONLY the AFFIRM™ VPIII Ambient Temperature Transport System. Separate swabs should be used for other tests, e.g. culture or microscopic slide samples.
Vaginal Sample Collection:
* Label the Sample Collection Tube (SCT) with the patient identification information. Include the time and date the sample was collected.
* Place the patient in position for a pelvic examination. Insert an UNLUBRICATED speculum (without jelly or water) into the vagina to permit visualization of the posterior vaginal fornix.
* Using the sterile polyester [Dacron™] swab obtain a sample from the posterior vaginal fornix. Twist or roll the swab against the vaginal wall two or three times, ensuring the entire circumference of the swab has touched the vaginal wall. Swab the lateral vaginal wall while removing the swab.
* Immediately place the swab into the Sample Collection Tube (SCT) containing the ATTS reagent.
* With the swab touching the BOTTOM of the collection tube, grasp the pre-scored handle of the swab just above the top of the tube and bend until the swab breaks. When the swab is fully inserted into the collection tube, the score mark on the swab is approximately 1 cm above the collection tube. Discard the broken handle into an infectious waste container. Place the cap over the exposed end of the swab and firmly press the cap onto the tube. The cap will "snap" onto the tube when it is properly sealed. For specimen collection, use ONLY the AFFIRM™ VPIII Ambient Temperature Transport System. Separate swabs should be used for other tests, e.g. culture or microscopic slide samples.
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 72 Hours
Refrigerated: 72 Hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 72 Hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Specimen >72 hours old • Swabs received in other than AFFIRM™ VPIII • Received frozen
Methodology
DNA Probe
Setup Schedule
Sets up 6 days a week.
Report Available
Reports in 1 to 3 days.
Limitations
Cervical specimens should be avoided because of the effect of elevated sialidase activity. Specimens should not be collected from a patient who has used any vaginal product in the previous 72 hours, e.g., cream, gel, spermicide, or douching.
Clinical Significance
G. vaginalis is associated (in concert with other organisms) with bacterial vaginosis. Trichomonas and candida species are known agents of vaginitis.
