Specimen Requirements

Osom Vaginal Swab Transport System required
* Alternate swabs and collection systems cannot be used.*
Note:  Vaginal collection is the optimal specimen for this assay.  Cervical collection is NOT  recommended.1. Do not use lubricant on speculum.

2. Label the outside container from Osom Vaginal Swab Transport System with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.

3. Collect specimens with swab from the Collect specimens from the vaginal cavity with a sterile rayon swab.

• Collect specimens from the lower one-third of the vaginal wall. Contact the swab with the lower one-third of the vaginal wall.
• Collect as much fluid as possible.
• Collecting specimens from the cervix should be avoided because (a) it might increase risk to OB patients, and (b) cervical sialidase activity is usually higher than vaginal sialidase activity
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.  Swabs may be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours, and are stable for 36 hours at 2-8C (refrigerated)

 5. Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

(NOTE FOR CANDIDA: Submission of a separate aerobic swab transport system is required for Gram stain or Yeast Culture. Alternatively submit a specimen for the Vaginosis DNA Probe Test using the AFFIRM VPIII Ambient Transport system.)