Specimen Requirements

Cervical swab specimen must be collected only with a Hologic Specimen Collection Kit.

Specimen must arrive within 72 hours of collection.
 

1. During a speculum examination, prior to any examination or manipulation of cervix or vaginal tract, lightly rotate sterile swab across posterior fornix of vagina for approximately 10 seconds to absorb cervicovaginal secretions. Subsequent attempts to saturate swab may invalidate test.

2. Remove swab and immerse tip in buffer. Break shaft (at score line) even with top of tube.

3. Align shaft with hole inside tube cap and push down tightly over shaft, sealing tube. Warning:  Shaft must be aligned to avoid leakage.

4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and specimen type.

5. Send specimen refrigerated.

Note:  1. Pelvic examination or sexual intercourse within the previous 48 to 72 hours prior to collection of specimen may produce a biological false-positive result.
2. Care must be taken not to contaminate swab or cervicovaginal secretions with lubricants, soap, disinfectants or creams (eg, K-Y® Jelly, Betadine® disinfectant, Monistat® cream, hexachlorophene). These substances may interfere with assay.

3. Specimens that are very mucoid or grossly bloody may yield unreliable results.