screw‑capped container
Specification After Draw (Sample Handling)
Mixing: Ensure the collection device is fully immersed and agitated in the medium .
Temperature/Storage:
*Preferred: Refrigerated at 2-8^C.
*Ambient: Some specialized transport media allow for room temperature storage, but refrigeration is always safest for maximizing stability .
*Freezing: Generally not recommended unless specified by the lab, as freezing/thawing can damage cells .
Stability: Stability usually ranges from 7 days to 4 weeks in the appropriate transport medium under refrigeration, depending on the specific medium used
qPCR
Test
Interference and Rejection
Lubricants/Gels: Excessive amounts of lubricants, spermicides, or contraceptive gels can interfere with the PCR reaction .
Inhibitors: Substances released by unacceptable swab materials (cotton, wood) can inhibit the PCR reaction, leading to false negatives .
Douching/Medication: The patient should be instructed not to douche, use vaginal creams, jellies, or suppositories (including antifungal treatments) for at least 24–48 hours prior to collection .
Menstrual Period: Blood can sometimes interfere with the test; collecting during heavy menstrual flow is usually discouraged .
Improper Fill: The sample must be correctly mixed into the medium to ensure the correct concentration
Miscellaneous Instruction to Collector
Patient Instructions: Provide clear patient instructions regarding abstaining from douching and vaginal products before the test .
Timely Transport: Even if the stability window is long, prompt transport is always recommended.
Labeling: Accurately label the tube with the patient’s demographics, and the date and time of collection
