Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens

Aptima Unisex Swab Specimen Collection for Endocervical and Male Urethral Swab Specimens

Endocervical swab specimen

1. Remove excess mucus from the cervical os and surrounding mucosa using the cleaning swab (white shaft swab in the package with red printing).  Discard this swab. Note: to remove excess mucus from the cervical os, a large-tipped swab (not provided) may be used.
2. Insert the specimen collection swab (blue shaft swab in the package with the green printing) into the endocervical canal.
3. Gently rotate the swab clockwise for 10 to 30 seconds in the endocervical canal to ensure adequate sampling.
4. Withdraw the swab carefully; avoid any contact with the vaginal mucosa.
5. Remove the cap from the swab specimen transport tube and immediately place the specimen collection swab into the transport tube.
6. Carefully break the swab shaft against the side of the tube at the score line and discard the top portion of the swab shaft; use care to avoid splashing of contents.
7. Re-cap the swab specimen transport tube tightly.
8. Label transport tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and time of actual collection and type of specimen.

Male urethral swab specimen

1. The patient should not have urinated for at least 1 hour prior to collection.
2. Insert the specimen collection swab (blue shaft swab in the package with the green printing) 2-4 cm into the urethra.
3. Gently rotate the swab clockwise for 2-3 seconds in the urethra in ensure adequate sampling.
4. Withdraw the swab carefully.
5. Remove the cap from the swab specimen transport tube and immediately place the specimen collection swab into the transport tube.
6. Carefully break the swab shaft against the side of the tube at the score line and discard the top portion of the swab shaft; use care to avoid splashing of contents.
7. Re-cap the swab specimen transport tube tightly.
8. Label transport tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and time of actual collection and type of specimen.

Aptima Vaginal Swab Specimen Collection

1. Carefully insert the swab into the vagina about 2 inches (5 cm) past the introitus and gently rotate the swab for 10-30 seconds.  Make sure the swab touches the walls of the vagina so that moisture is absorbed by the swab and then withdraw the swab without touching the skin.
2. Remove the cap from the swab transport tube and immediately place the specimen collection swab into the transport tube.
3. Carefully break the swab shaft against the side of the tube at the score line and discard the top portion of the swab shaft; use care to avoid splashing of contents.
4. Re-cap the swab specimen transport tube tightly.
5. Label transport tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and time of actual collection.

Aptima Urine Collection

1. Patient should not have urinated for at least 1 hour prior to specimen collection.
2. Direct patient to provide first-catch urine (approximately 20 to 30 ml of initial urine stream) into urine collection cup free of any preservatives.  Collections of larger volumes of urine may result in specimen dilution that may reduce test sensitivity. Female patients should not cleanse labial area prior to providing specimen.
3. Urine samples still in primary collection container must be transported to the lab between 2⁰C to 30 ⁰C. Within 24 hours of collection.
4. If urine specimen transport tube is available, remove the cap and transfer 2 ml of urine into the urine specimen transport tube using the disposable pipette provided.  The correct volume of urine has been added when the fluid level is between the black fill lines on urine specimen transport tube label.
5. Re-cap urine specimen transport tube tightly. 
6. Label transport tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and time of actual collection.

Monolayer (Thin Prep^TM)

       1. Patient should avoid douches 48 to 72 hours prior to collection.

       2. Vaginal lubricant should not be used prior to obtaining specimen.

       3. sample entire extocervix and endocervix with special emphasis on squamocolumnar junction 

          (transformation zone) using a broom-type sampling cytobrush and /or non-wooden spatula

          (Cotton swab is not acceptable).

       4. Immerse specimen in PreservCyt^TM solution and rise cells immediately by pushing bristle of broom against

           sides and bottom of ThinPrep vial several times

       5. Remove and discard collection device.

       6. Securely cap ThinPrep^TM vial.

       7. Label vial with patient's name (first and last, date of birth, and type of specimen.

       8. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature