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Test Code C Genital Culture Genital

Patient Preparation

See Collection Instructions

Special Collection Instructions

Specimen Instructions
Amniotic fluid Aspirate via amniocentesis, cesarean section, or intrauterine catheter.
NOTE: Swabbing or aspiration of vaginal membrane is not acceptable due to vaginal contamination.
Bartholin gland (cyst)
  1. Disinfect skin with 2% iodine tincture.
  2. Aspirate fluid from ducts or swab with culturette swab.
Cervix
  1. Look at cervix through speculum without lubricant.
  2. Remove mucus from cervix with swab and discard.
  3. Firmly yet gently, sample endocervical canal with sterile swab.
Endometrium Collect transcervical aspirate via telescoping catheter.
IUD Place IUD in sterile container. Do not allow to dry out. Transport to lab immediately.
Penis General:
Remove surface exudate by wiping with sterile saline or 70% alcohol. Sample the base of the lesion or abscess wall.
Open lesion:
Aspirate if possible or pass a swab deep into the lesion to firmly sample the lesion’s fresh border.
Closed lesion:
Aspirate abscess material with needle & syringe; remove needle and cap syringe
Prostate
  1. Clean glans with soap & water.
  2. Massage prostate through rectum.
  3. Collect fluid on sterile swab or in sterile container.
Urethra or Penile Discharge Female
  1. Remove exudates from urethral orifice.
  2. Collect discharge material on swab by massaging urethra against pubic symphysis through vagina.
  3. If no discharge can be obtained, wash external urethra with betadine soap & rinse with water.
  4. Then insert urethrogenital swab 2-4 cm into urethra & rotate swab for 2 seconds.
  5. Collect at least 1 hr after urination.


Male

  1. Insert urethrogenital swab 2 – 4 cm into urethral lumen, rotate swab.
  2. Leave in place for 2 seconds.
Vagina
  1. Wipe away excessive secretions or discharge.
  2. Obtain secretions from mucosal membrane of vaginal vault with sterile swab.

Collection Method

Follow appropriate collection procedures

Minimum Volume

Varies by specimen type

Container

eSwab

Preferred Specimen

  • Cervix
  • Bartholin Gland
  • Endometrium
  • Vagina
  • Urethral or penile discharge
  • Prostate
  • Penis

Acceptable Specimens

  • Cervix
  • Bartholin Gland
  • Endometrium
  • Vagina
  • Urethral or penile discharge
  • Prostate
  • Penis
  • Amniotic fluid
  • IUD

Reference or Target Ranges

Negative

Reportable Units

Positive/Negative

Critical Value

Not defined for this assay

Reasons for Rejection



Hemolysis Threshold
 N/A
Icterus Threshold
 N/A
Lipemia Threshold
 N/A
Other
 QNS, contaminated, improperly labled, improper specimen type, more than 1 specimen per day

Specimen Stability



Ambient
 Amniotic Fluid/IUD: 15 minutes
Other genital sources: 2 hours
Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C)
 N/A
Frozen(-40°C to 0°C)
 N/A

Performance Information



Days and Time Performed
 Daily
Expected Turn Around Time
 3 – 5 days
Stat Availabilty
 No
Performing Bench
 Microbiology
Methodology/Method Description
 Culture

Additional Information/Important Notes

For detecting Neisseria gonorrhoea only, order “Culture Gonorrhoea”

CPT Codes

87070