Swab
2 mL
Process Immediately: After collection, the swab must be immediately placed into the transport tube and the cap secured tightly.
Remove Excess Handle: The swab shaft should be carefully broken off at the pre-scored breakpoint line so the cap can be screwed on tightly.
Invert: Invert or gently shake the capped tube 3-4 times to ensure the sample mixes with the transport medium.
Labeling: The container must be clearly labeled with the patient’s full name, date of birth, medical record number, specimen type/source, and the date/time of collection.
Storage/Transport:
Maintain the specimen at room temperature or refrigerate (2°C to 30°C) following collection.
Specimens are typically stable for up to 60 days at this temperature range, but they should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible to avoid any delays in processing.
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
A day after collection
qPCR
Molecular
RML
CT, GC, STD Panel, STDPCR Testing, STI Panel, TV TMA PCR Panel
Panel
MSMyGe, MSNeGo, MSTrPa, MSTrVa, MSMyHo, MSUrUP, MSChTr, MSGaVa, MSHadu, MSHSV1, MSHSV2
Incorrect Collection Kit: Using the wrong type of swab or transport media (e.g., a cotton-tipped swab on a wooden stick) can interfere with the assay.
Contamination: Touching the soft tip of the swab to any surface (hands, outside of the body, etc.) other than the collection site will contaminate the sample.
Dilution/Spillage: Spilling the liquid contents of the transport tube or adding an incorrect volume of specimen (for urine samples, for example) can impact test sensitivity.
Inadequate Sample: Insufficient rotation or time during the swabbing process may not collect enough cellular material for accurate testing.
Recent Urination (for urethral swabs): For male urethral swabs, the patient should not have urinated for at least one hour prior to collection.
Lubricants/Medications: Vaginal creams, lubricants, or douching should be avoided prior to sample collection as they may interfere with test results.
Follow Specific Kit Instructions: Always refer to the specific manufacturer’s package insert and local lab guidelines, as procedures can vary slightly between kits.
Patient Privacy/Comfort: Ensure the patient is in a private exam room and comfortable, especially if they are performing self-collection.
Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly before and after the procedure.
Two Swabs for Endocervical: If performing an endocervical collection, a large cleaning swab should first be used to remove excess mucus from the cervix before the sample is taken with the collection swab.
Avoid Touching Other Areas: Exercise care to avoid the swab touching the tongue, cheeks, or vaginal mucosa (when collecting pharyngeal or endocervical samples, respectively) during insertion and withdrawal.
Hazardous Materials: All specimens should be considered potentially hazardous and handled with appropriate universal precautions.
Request New Kit if Needed: If any mistakes are made (e.g., touching the swab tip, spilling fluid, dropping the swab), a new collection kit must be used.
87491; 87591; 87661
