Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Acceptable Specimens:

Swab of cervix, cul-de-sac, penis, prostate, uterus, or vagina

Females:

1. Do not use lubricant on speculum

2. Remove cervical mucus before inserting swab into endocervical canal.

3.Collect the specimen using the swab provided in the BD ESwab Collection and Transport System from the endocervical canal.  Move swab from side-to side. Avoid touching swab to uninfected site. Be sure not to touch below the red breakpoint line to avoid contamination.

4. Aseptically unscrew and remove the cap from the tube.

5. Insert the swab into the tube and bend the swab shaft at the breakpoint indicated by the red line marked on the swab shaft against the tube to break the shaft. Discard the broken handle part of the swab shaft.

6. Replace the cap on the tube and secure it tightly.

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

8. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient  temperature only.

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

          ESwab collection is acceptable for 48 hours after collection

Males:

1. Collect specimen using a BD ESwab 1 hour or more after urination. Specimen may be collected from

    discharge. If no discharge is present,  obtain specimen from anterior urethra.

2. Collect the specimen using the swab provided in the BD ESwab Collection and Transport System. Be sure

    not to touch below the red breakpoint line to avoid contamination.

3. Insert swab 2 cm to 4 cm into urethra.

4. Rotate swab so that it comes into contact with all urethral surfaces. Leave swab inserted 2 to 3 seconds and

    remove.

5. Aseptically unscrew and remove the cap from the tube

6. Insert the swab into the tube and bend the swab shaft at the breakpoint indicated by the red line marked on

    the swab shaft against the tube to break the shaft.  Discard the broken handle part of the swab shaft.  

    Replace the cap on the tube and secure it tightly.  

5. Label tube with patient's name (first and last), MR# or DOB, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.

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

           ESwab is acceptable for 48 hours after collection