(eSwab)
Swab
2.0 mL
The swab must be immediately placed into the specific transport medium provided within the kit to stabilize the nucleic acids and ensure accurate results.
Storage and Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature (2–30°C): Specimens are generally stable for an extended period, typically between 30 to 60 days, depending on the manufacturer’s specific kit.
Refrigerated (2–8°C): This is the optimal condition for prolonged storage or delayed transport, providing stability comparable to room temperature (up to 60 days).
Frozen (-20°C or colder): Specimens can be frozen for long-term archiving, typically stable for up to 12 months.
Prompt Transport: While stability is excellent, routine practice dictates sending specimens to the laboratory as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of collection.
Specimen Handling: The swab shaft must be broken off precisely at the score line and the cap tightly secured to prevent leakage and evaporation of the transport medium.
Large white swab included in Aptima Unisex Swab Specimen Collection kit is for preparatory cleaning of the endocervix and is unacceptable for testing.
REFRIGERATED
Mon-Sat
Next Day
qPCR
Molecular
(RML)
GC PCR
Gonorrhea PCR
NAA
NG PCR
Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT)
Test
Topical Products: Speculum lubricants, vaginal creams, gels, moisturizers, or antiseptics can interfere with the test chemistry. Patients should avoid using these products before sampling.
Incorrect Swab Type: Use of non-approved swabs (e.g., cotton, wood-tipped) introduces substances that inhibit the PCR reaction.
Antibiotic Therapy: Patients currently undergoing antibiotic treatment may have a reduced bacterial load, which can lead to false-negative results.
Commensal Flora: While NAAT assays are highly specific, sampling from sites like the pharynx or rectum may have a slight risk of cross-reaction with non-pathogenic Neisseria species present in normal flora, depending on the specific genes targeted by the test.
Patient Preparation:
Vaginal/Cervical Samples: Patients should avoid douching or using vaginal inserts/medications for at least 24 hours before collection.
Specimen Site Labeling: The exact anatomical site of collection (e.g., endocervical, urethral, rectal, pharyngeal) must be clearly indicated on both the specimen label and the laboratory requisition form.
Swab Handling Protocol: Only the collection swab (e.g., blue or pink shaft) should be placed into the transport tube. The first cleaning swab must be discarded.
Culture vs. PCR: PCR is the preferred method for screening and diagnosis due to sensitivity and stability. If a culture is required for antibiotic susceptibility testing or legal documentation (e.g., sexual assault cases), a separate specimen must be collected using specific culture media (e.g., Amies media) and transported strictly on ice or in a CO2 incubator. PCR transport media is not suitable for cultures.
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