Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Cervix, Endocervix, or Vagina

Container/Tube: Sterile culture swab in sterile culture transport tube

Specimen Volume: Swab of cervix, endocervix, or vagina

Collection Instructions: Collect specimen as follows:

1. Do not use lubricant on speculum.
2. Cervical mucus should be removed first before inserting swab into endocervical canal.
3. Move swab from side-to-side. Avoid touching swab to uninfected surface.
4. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube.

Note: 1. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, and date and actual time of draw.

2. Specimen source is required.

Ocular (Neonates Only)

Container/Tube: Small, sterile culture swab in sterile culture transport tube

Specimen Volume: Swab of conjunctivae

Collection Instructions: Collect specimen as follows:

1. Wipe conjunctivae with a small, sterile culture swab. A topical anesthetic may be used prior to sampling. If both eyes are infected and are to be sampled with same swab, the less affected eye should be sampled first.

2. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube.

Note: 1. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, and date and actual time of draw.

2. Specimen source is required.

Rectal

Container/Tube: Sterile culture swab in sterile culture transport tube

Specimen Volume: Swab of rectum

Collection Instructions: Collect specimen as follows:

1. Insert swab well into rectum and rub mucosa. Repeat until visible fecal material adheres to swab.
2. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube.

Note: 1. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, and date and actual time of draw.

2. Specimen source is required.

Urethra (Males)
Container/Tube: Sterile culture swab or mini-tip swab in sterile culture transport tube

Specimen Volume: Swab of urethra or anterior urethra

Collection Instructions: Collect specimen as follows:

1. Collect discharge specimen 1 hour or more after urination using culture swab.
2. If no discharge is available, use a mini-tip swab and collect specimen from anterior urethra.
3. Insert mini-tip swab 2 cm to 4 cm into urethra.
4. Rotate swab so it comes into contact with all urethral surfaces. Leave swab inserted 2 to 3 seconds before removing.
5. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube.

Note: 1. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, and date and actual time of draw.

2. Specimen source is required.