Swab Collection Kit
Specification After Draw (Handling and Storage)
Immediately after collection: The swab must be immediately placed into the transport tube, the shaft carefully broken at the score line against the tube’s side, and the cap tightly screwed on.
Storage and Transport Temperature: Maintain the specimen at room temperature (2°C to 30°C) or refrigerated (2°C to 8°C). Refrigeration is often preferred if transport is delayed.
Stability:
*Room Temperature: Stable for up to 30 days.
*Refrigerated: Stable for up to 30 days.
*Frozen: Stability varies by specific test and lab protocol (some allow freezing at -20°C to -70°C for 60-90 days, others do not accept frozen samples); check with the specific lab if freezing is needed.
(RML)
Interference and Rejection Criteria
Specimens may be rejected or results compromised due to:
Incorrect Collection Device: Using a non-Aptima or expired swab transport device.
Improper Swab Handling: Transport tube with no swab, two swabs, an inverted swab, or the incorrect cleaning swab (white shaft) in the transport tube.
Contamination: Swabs that are bloody or grossly mucoid, or samples with excess lubricant.
Incorrect Transport Media: Swabs submitted in viral transport media or Amies agar gel transport swabs (which are for conventional cultures).
Specimen Misidentification: Unlabeled specimens or name discrepancies.
Patient Actions: Collection while menstruating or within 48-72 hours of using vaginal cream products, douches, or birth control foams/jellies can interfere with results.
Miscellaneous Instruction to Collector
Patient Type: The assay has not been evaluated for patients less than 14 years of age.
Collection Technique: Insert the swab about 2 inches (5 cm) into the vagina and gently rotate it for 10-30 seconds, ensuring it touches the vaginal walls to absorb moisture/secretions.
Safety: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves.
Documentation: Label the tube with the patient’s name, date of birth, date/time of collection, and specimen source.
Avoid Spills: Do not spill the liquid contents of the transport tube. If spilled, discard the kit and use a new one.
Prompt Transport: While the sample is stable for up to 30 days at room temperature, it should be delivered to the lab as soon as is practical.
