SWAB
0.5 mL
Immediately place the collected swab into the transport tube.
Break the swab shaft at the pre-molded score line against the rim of the tube.
Tightly screw the cap onto the tube to prevent leakage.
Label the container with the patient’s name, date, and time of collection.
Storage and Transport: Maintain the specimen at room temperature or refrigerate (2-8°C) as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions, and transport to the laboratory as soon as possible, generally within 24-48 hours, to ensure bacterial viability.
qPCR
(RML)
Vaginal Products: Do not use vaginal medications, foams, jellies, or other vaginal creams/douches for at least 48 hours prior to collection.
Sexual Activity: Refrain from sexual intercourse for at least 48 hours before the test.
Menstruation: If possible, avoid collecting the sample during the menstrual period, as blood can interfere with certain tests.
Contamination: Avoid touching the soft tip of the swab with fingers or allowing it to contact any other surfaces (e.g., external genitalia, clothing) before placing it in the transport tube.
Inappropriate Medium: Using a dry swab or an incorrect transport medium can result in an unsatisfactory specimen.
Hand Hygiene & PPE: The collector should wash hands thoroughly and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat/scrubs, eye protection).
Patient Instruction: Explain the procedure to the patient clearly, whether it is self-collected or clinician-collected.
Collection Technique:
Position the patient comfortably (e.g., lying on an exam table with feet in stirrups, or self-collecting while standing with one leg up).
For clinician collection, a speculum may be used. Excess mucus may be removed with a separate, discarded swab first.
Insert the swab a specific depth (e.g., about 2-3 inches or 5 cm) into the vagina and rotate it against the vaginal wall for 10-30 seconds to collect sufficient sample.
Remove the swab carefully, avoiding contact with other areas.
Sample Integrity: Ensure the liquid transport medium remains in the tube and does not spill. A dry swab should never be submitted.
Prompt Transport: Deliver the specimen to the lab promptly to maintain organism viability for culture or molecular analysis.
