Specimen Requirements

Urine Collections
 
Males:
The urine collection method is the method of choice for males. 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) that flows through the urethra into a sterile urine collection cup free of any preservatives.
 
Females:
In females, a first voided urine is acceptable for the detection of chlamydia and gonorrhea but might detect up to 10% fewer infections when compared with vaginal swab samples. Female patients should not cleanse the labial area prior to providing the specimen. 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.
 
*Urine volume of greater than 50 mL may cause false negatives and will be rejected.
                          
Swab (Vaginal, Oropharyngeal, and Anorectal) Collections
 
Vaginal:  
Hold the woven swab with the scoreline above your hand and the swab into the vagina about 2 inches (5 cm) into the vaginal opening.  Gently turn the swab in a clockwise direction for about 30 seconds while rubbing the swab against the walls of the vagina so that moisture is absorbed by the swab. Collect using the GeneXpert Xpert Swab Specimen Collection Kit
 
Oropharyngeal:  
Hold the woven swab with the scoreline above your hand and insert the swab into the mouth and collect specimen from the bilateral posterior pharynx, both tonsils (unless tonsils have been removed) and the uvula. Withdraw the swab without touching the inside of your cheeks or tongue. Collect using the GeneXpert Xpert Swab Specimen Collection Kit
 
Anorectal:  
Hold the woven swab with the scoreline above your hand and insert the swab about 1-2 inches (3-5 cm) into the anal canal.  Gently turn the swab in a clockwise direction for about 5-10 seconds while running the swab against the walls of the rectum.  If the swab is grossly contaminated with feces, discard and repeat the collection. Collect using the GeneXpert Xpert Swab Specimen Collection Kit
 
All Collection Sites: 
Withdraw the swab from the collection site without touching the skin in that area or any surface before placing it in the tube.  Place the swab into transport tube provided in the collection kit.  Snap off swab at the score line so swab fits into closed tube.  Cap tube securely and label with patient name and collection date/time. 
 
IMPORTANT:  If the Vaginal CTNG and Vaginitis/Vaginosis Molecular Detection (LAB17610) assay is ordered together, please collect the vaginal swab specimen using the GeneXpert Xpert Swab Specimen Collection Kit so only one swab needs to be submitted.