Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Genital specimens require a Cobas PCR Female Swab Sample kit.  Kits can be obtained from Hunstville Hospital Microbiology Department or, for Outreach clients, by calling Client Services at 256-265-2522 or 800-278-0588.

Endocervix (Females Only)

Collect specimen as follows:

1.  Remove excess mucus from cervical os and surrounding mucosa using 1 of the plastic-shafted swabs provided.  Discard this swab.

2.  Insert second plastic-shafted swab (wooden-shafted swabs are unacceptable) 1 cm to 1.5 cm into endocervical canal.

3.  Rotate swab clockwise for 15 to 30 seconds in endocervical canal to ensure adequate sampling.

4.  Withdraw swab carefully; avoid contact with vaginal mucosa.

5.  Break swab in tube using care to avoid splashing.

6.  Screw cap on securely.

7.  Label container with patient's information, date and actual time of colleciton, and type of specimen.

8.  Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note:

1. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

2.  Spermicidal agents and feminine powder sprays interfere with assay and should not be used prior to colleciton.

3.  Maximum storage of swab specimen in collecion kits is 12 months at 2-30° C.

4.  Swab specimens collected with the cobas PCR Female Swab Sample Kit and urine/fluid collected with the cobas PCR Urine Sample Kit may be stored at 2-30° C for up to 12 months once the specimens have been stabilized in cobas PCR Media.

Vaginal (Females only)

Collect specimen as follows:

1.  Insert the plastic-shafted swab (wooden-shafted swabs are unacceptable) about 5 cm (2 inches) into the vaginal opening.

2.  Gently turn the swab for about 30 seconds while rubbing the swab against the wall of the vagina.

3.  Remove the swab carefully.  Do not touch the swab to any surface before placing it into the colleciton tube.

4.  Break swab in tube using care to avoid splashing.

5.  Screw cap on securely.

6.  Label container with patient's information, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

7.  Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note:

1.  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

2.  Spermicical agents and feminine powder sprays interfere with assay and should not be used prior to collection.

3.  Maximum storage of swab specimen in collection kits is 12 months at 2-30° Celcius.

4.  Swab specimens collected with the cobas PCR Female Swab Sample Kit and urine/fluid collected with the cobas PCR Urine Sample Kit may be stored at 2-30° C for up to 12 months once the specimens have been stabilized in cobas PCR Media.