Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Genital

(Cervix, Endocervix, Vaginal and Urethra {males})

Specimen must arrive within 24 hours of collection.

1. Do not use lubricant on speculum.

2. Collect specimen using a culture transport swab. Aimes liquid mini-tip swabs can be used for male urethral specimens.

3. Return swab to sterile culture tube, and crush ampule to ensure specimen preservation.

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

5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.

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

Upper Respiratory

(Mouth, Throat and Nose)

Specimen must arrive within 24 hours of collection.

1. Obtain specimen using a culture transport swab.

2. Rotate against affected area.

3. Return swab to sterile culture tube, and crush ampule to ensure specimen preservation.

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

5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. Transport at ambient temperature only.

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

Urine

(Clean catch or catheterized urine in a sterile container.)

1.  Label collected urine with patient's name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of actual collection and specimen type.

2.  Maintain sterility and foward promptly. Refrigerate urine for transport. 

Note: Specimen source/method of collection is required on the request form for processing.