Test Details
Methodology
Nucleic acid amplification (NAA)
Result Turnaround Time
2 - 3 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
This test is used to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Special Instructions
Submit one specimen per test requested. Specify the exact specimen source/origin (e.g., vaginal). Indicate a specific test number on the test request form.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Vaginal swab
Volume
One swab
Minimum Volume
One swab
Container
Aptima® Multitest Swab Specimen Collection Kit
Collection Instructions
Patient Self-Collection: Partially open the package of the APTIMA® vaginal swab kit. Do not touch the soft tip or lay the swab down. If the soft tip is touched, the swab is laid down or the swab is dropped, use a new APTIMA® swab specimen collection kit. Remove the swab. Carefully insert the swab into the vagina about two inches past the introitus and gently rotate the swab for 10 to 30 seconds, making sure the swab touches the walls of the vagina so that moisture is absorbed by the swab. Withdraw the swab without touching the skin. Immediately place the swab into the transport tube, and carefully break the swab shaft against the side of the tube. Tightly screw on the cap.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 60 days (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
| Refrigerated | 60 days (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature or refrigerate (2°C to 30°C).
Causes for Rejection
Specimen with incorrect patient identification; unlabeled specimen; inappropriate specimen transport conditions; specimen leaked in transit; specimen in expired transport or incorrect transport device; specimens with inappropriate source for test requested; specimen with fixative or additives; APTIMA® swab transport >60 days from collection; APTIMA® swab specimens with incorrect specimen volume; APTIMA® swab specimen without a swab; cleaning swab (white-shaft swab) in APTIMA® swab transport; any non-Gen-Probe® swab submitted in APTIMA® transport device; wooden-shafted swab in transport device; transport device with multiple swabs; female urethral swab; bloody or grossly mucoid specimens; bacterial swabs; specimen in ProbeTec™ UPT transport; ProbeTec™ Q-swabs; swab specimen in universal transport media or viral transport media