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: Sterile 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. Sheath the swab and label with patient's name (first, last and middle initial) medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or SSN, and date and time of collection.

Specimen Type: Rectal

Container/Tube: Sterile swab ,White cap ESwab culture transport

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Insert sterile swab well into rectum and rub mucosa. Repeat until visible fecal material adheres to swab.

2. Sheath the swab and label with patient's name (first, last and middle initial) medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or SSN, and date and time of collection.

Specimen Type: Throat

Container/Tube: Swab in sterile culture transport tube (White cap ESwab)

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Remove cap and swab from tube.

2. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening of mouth as wide as possible.

3. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab doesn’t touch tongue.

4. If patient has complained of 1 spot being sore, swab that area well.

5. In 1 continuous motion:

a. Swab 1 tonsillar area up then down.

b. Move to back of throat as far down as possible, and swab there.

c. Move to other tonsillar area and swab.

d. Swab behind uvula and remove swab.

6. Sheath the swab and label with patient's name (first, last and middle initial) medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or SSN, and date and time of collection.

Specimen Type: Urethra (males)

Container/Tube: Mini-tip swab in sterile culture transport tube (Blue cap ESwab)

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. Sheath the swab and label with patient's name (first, last and middle initial) medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or SSN, and date and time of collection.