Specimen Requirements

See Swab Collection and Transport Guide in Special Instructions for additional information.

Specimen source is required.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Cervix, endocervix, or vaginal

Container/Tube: Swab, White cap ESwab culture transport

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

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

4. Place swab in sterile charcoal culture transport tube.

5. Label tube with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or Social Security number, and date and time of collection.

Specimen Type: Urethra (males)

Container/Tube: Sterile swab or mini-tip swab in sterile culture transport tube

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect discharge specimen 1 hour or more after urination. If no discharge is available, use a mini-tip swab and collect specimen from anterior urethra.
2. Insert swab 2 to 4 cm into urethra.
3. Rotate swab so that it comes into contact with all urethral surfaces. Leave swab inserted 2 to 3 seconds and remove.

4. Label tube with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or Social Security number, and date and time of collection.