A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

GC & CHLAMYDIA BY PCR

Message
Cervical, urethral, vaginal and urine samples are the only FDA approved sources for testing. Rectal swabs, throat swabs, and Thin Prep samples have been validated by Alverno Laboratories.  Any other sources will require a GC culture and/or Chlamydia culture.


Test Code
CHLAM/GC (OE), GP. (LAB)


Alias/See Also
  • CT
  • NG
  • CT/NG
  • Chlamydia
  • Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
  • GC


CPT Codes
87491; 87591

Includes
Detection (nonculture) of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae


Preferred Specimen
Abbott Multi-collection specimen kit



Specimen type:
  • Cervical swab
  • Vaginal swab
  • Urethral swab
  • Rectal swab
  • Urine 
  • ThinPrep (Performed on vial DO NOT transfer ThinPrep solution to the Multi-collect tube)
  • Throat


Patient Preparation
  • Swab can be collected by physician or pateint - see collection and transport guide below.
  • See instructions for patient collected vaginal samples below. 
  • Urine samples are collected by patient. Patient should not urinate for 1 hour prior to collection (if testing urine).  Collect the first 20-30 mL of voided urine sample - do not use the clean-catch midstream collection method.  Add-on testing can be performed on urine within 24 hours of collection.


Minimum Volume
Urine sample only: Using the pipette provided in the kit, add enough urine to the collection device so the fill volume is between the min/max window. DO NOT OVER/UNDER FILL!



Other Acceptable Specimens
None


Instructions
Document source


Transport Temperature
Room Temperature or Refrigerated


Specimen Stability
  • Samples collected in the Multi-collect kit are stable 14 days at 2-30C
  • Samples collected in the Multi-collect kit are stable 90 days at -10C
  • Urine samples collected in a sterile container are stable for 24 hours at 2-30C
  • ThinPrep samples are stable 30 days at 2-30C


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
  • ThinPrep samples poured in the Multi-collect device in the kit will be rejected.  Send ThinPrep samples in the ThinPrep vial.
  • Urine samples that are under-filled or over-filled will be rejected.
  • Samples submitted in BD UTM collection kit will be rejected.
  • Samples submitted with any other collection swab will be rejected.


Methodology
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Setup Schedule
M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su

M-F: Batched PM and MN shifts only
Sa:   Batched PM shift only
Su:   Batched MN shift only

 


Report Available
Report available within 24 hours after receipt


Limitations
Reliable results are dependent on adequate specimen collection. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical data available to the clinician. A negative result does not preclude a possible infection because results are dependent on adequate specimen collection. Test results may be affected by improper specimen collection, technical error, specimen mix-up, or target levels below the assay limit of detection.


Reference Range
Not detected


Clinical Significance
Detection (nonculture) of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae


Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab

Additional Information
GC Collection and Transport Guide
Self-Collected Vaginal Swab Instructions


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.