Specimen Information

Specimen can be self-collected in the healthcare facility, not home collected.

*A vaginal specimen is preferred source for female patients. 

**Cobas Urine Collection Kit (Yellow):  This collection method is the method of choice for males. The patient should not have urinated for at least 1 hour prior to specimen collection. Have patient collect the first urine that flows through the urethra.  In females, a first voided urine is acceptable for the detection of gonorrhea and chlamydia but might detect up to 10% fewer infections when compared with the vaginal swab samples. 

***Urine in a Sterile Container:  The patient should not have urinated for at least 1 hour prior to specimen collection. Direct patient to provide a first-catch urine (approximately 20 to 30 mL of the initial urine stream) into a sterile urine collection cup free of any preservatives. Collection of larger volumes of urine may result in DNA target dilution that may reduce test sensitivity. Any sample submitted with over 50 mls of urine will be rejected.

Female patients should not cleanse the labial area prior to providing the specimen.

If the sample can be transported to the lab within 24 hours, it may be held in the original container at 2-30° C.  If delivery will be delayed, transport sample in Cobas urine specimen transport tube with the disposable pipet and tightly recap the tube.