Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request Form (T244) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/microbiology_test_request_form.pdf).

This test is performed only on female patients.

Specimen source is required. 

Swab specimen must be collected using an APTIMA Collection Unisex Swab (Supply T583) or APTIMA Collection Vaginal Swab (Supply T584). These swabs are contained in the APTIMA Collection Kit.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Endocervix

Container/Tube: APTIMA Collection Unisex Swab (Supply T583)

Specimen Volume: Adequate amount

Collection Instructions:

1. Use cleaning swab (white shaft) to remove excess mucus from endocervix and discard.

2. Insert second swab (blue shaft) 1 to 1.5 cm into endocervical canal, and rotate swab gently for 30 seconds. Avoid touching vaginal wall when removing swab.

3. Place second swab (blue shaft) into APTIMA transport tube provided in collection kit. Snap off swab at score line so swab fits into closed tube.

4. Cap tube securely, and label tube with patient's entire name, and date and time of collection.

Specimen Stability Information: Transport and store swab container at 2 to 30° C (refrigerate is preferred temperature) within 60 days of collection. If longer storage is needed, freeze at -20 to -70° C for up to 180 days.

Specimen Type: Vaginal

Container/Tube: APTIMA Collection Vaginal Swab (Supply T584)

Specimen Volume: Adequate amount

Collection Instructions:

1. Insert swab (pink shaft) about 5 cm past introitus and rotate gently for 30 seconds.

2. Place swab into APTIMA transport tube provided in collection kit. Snap off swab at score line so swab fits into closed tube.

3. Cap tube securely, and label tube with patient's entire name, and date and time of collection.

Specimen Stability Information: Transport and store swab container at 2 to 30° C (refrigerate is preferred temperature) within 60 days of collection. If longer storage is needed, freeze at -20 to -70° C for up to 180 days.

Specimen Type: Urine

Container/Tube: APTIMA Urine Specimen Transport Tube (Supply T582)

Specimen Volume: 15-20 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Patient should not have urinated for at least 1 hour prior to specimen collection.

2. Patient should collect first portion of random voided urine (first part of stream) into a sterile, plastic, preservative-free container.

3. Transfer 2 mL of urine into the APTIMA urine specimen transport tube using the disposable pipette provided within 24 hours of collection. The correct volume of urine has been added when the fluid level is between the black fill lines on the APTIMA urine transport tube. Place the labels on the transport tube so the black fill lines are still visible for volume confirmation at Mayo Medical Laboratories.

Specimen Stability Information: Transport and store urine specimen transport tube at 2 to 30 degrees C (refrigerate is preferred temperature) within 30 days of collection. If longer storage is needed, freeze at -20 to -70 degrees C for up to 180 days.

Specimen Type: ThinPrep Specimen (Endocervix)

Container/Tube: ThinPrep (also called PreservCyt) Collection Kit

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Aliquot ThinPrep specimen for Trichomonas and/or Chlamydia and/or Neisseria testing before processing for Pap smear. For each specimen, use a new pair of clean gloves.

2. Vortex ThinPrep/PreservCyt vial 3 to 10 seconds. Within 1 minute of vortexing:

A. Transfer 1 mL of specimen into the APTIMA Specimen Transfer Tube (Supply T652) using a disposable transfer pipette or a pipette tip containing a filter (aerosol barrier or hydrophobic plug).

B. Process only 1 ThinPrep and transfer tube set at a time.

C. Recap APTIMA Specimen Transfer Tube tightly and gently invert 3 times to mix.

3. Label APTIMA transfer tube with appropriate label.

4. Use remainder of ThinPrep specimen for Pap testing.

Specimen Stability Information: Transport and store urine specimen transport tube at 2 to 30 degrees C (refrigerate is preferred temperature) within 30 days of collection. If longer storage is needed, freeze at -20 to -70° C for up to 180 days.