Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

ESwab

Specimen must arrive ASAP from collection.

Alternative if ESwab not available: sterile swab in small amount of sterile saline, delivered to lab within 30 minutes.

1. Do not use lubricant on speculum.

2. Obtain specimen using an ESwab.

3. Label ESwab with patient’s name (first and last), MR# or DOB, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.

5. For optimal recovery, deliver specimen to laboratory as soon as possible.

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Vaginal Discharge

1. Do not use lubricant on speculum.

2. Collect vaginal secretions using a sterile pipette.

3. Submit specimen in an ESwab.

4. Label ESwab with patient’s name (first and last), MR# or DOB, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.

6. For optimal recovery, deliver specimen to laboratory as soon as possible.

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.