Collection Instructions

Offsite Collection Instructions

See UCMC Collection Instructions

UCMC Collection Instructions

Specimen Source: Cervix (swab, fluid, or aspirate). This is not an appropriate source for Group B Strep screen. Specimen Collection: Wipe cervix clean of vaginal secretions and mucus. Using a speculum with no lubricant, compress the cervix. Obtain exudate from endocervical glands.
Specimen Transport: 24 hr, no refrigeration.

Specimen Source: Vagina (swab, fluid, or aspirate). This is not an appropriate source for Chlamydia/GC probe testing or Group B Strep screen.
Specimen Collection: Use speculum with no lubricant. Aspirate or swab material from high on the vaginal wall.
Specimen Transport: 24 hr, no refrigeration.

Specimen Source: Vulva, Labia
Specimen Collection: Clean lesion with saline; do not use alcohol. Remove crust if present. Abrade lesion to obtain fluid or scrape beneath extending border of lesions.
Specimen Transport: 24 hr, no refrigeration.

Specimen Source: Urethra
Specimen Collection: Wipe urethra clean with sterile gauze. Obtain exudate or discharge with swab. Alternatively, a swab may be inserted 2 cm inside the urethra for specimen collection.
Specimen Transport: 24 hr, no refrigeration.

Specimen Source: Oral
Specimen Collection: Swab areas of exudation or inflammation.
Specimen Transport: 24 hr, no refrigeration.

Specimen Source: Rectal
Specimen Collection: Insert swab approximately 1 inch past anal sphincter. Gently rotate the swab to sample the anal crypts. Feces should be visible on the swab for detection of bacterial pathogens. 1 specimen/day accepted.
Specimen Transport: 24 hr, no refrigeration.

See Microbiology Specimen Collection:

• See category in Table 1 BACTERIOLOGY, CHLAMYDIA, MYCOLOGY, MYCOBACTERIOLOGY (AFB), VIROLOGY