Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Conjunctiva (Eye)

Container/Tube: ESwab collection kit

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect specimen before the application of topical anesthetics.  Specimens should be collected by the patient care area.

2. With ESwab, collect purulent material from surface of lower conjunctival sac and inner canthus of eye.

3. Insert the swab into the tube and break the swab shaft at the breakpoint indicated by the colored line marked on the swab shaft. Discard the remaining broken portion of the swab shaft. Replace cap on the tube and secure tightly.

4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date, actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

5. Do not refrigerate.

Specimen Type: Throat

Container/Tube: ESwab collection kit

Collection Instructions:

1. Remove cap and swab from tube.
2. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening of mouth as wide as possible.  Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab doesn’t touch oral mucosa or tongue.
3. In 1 continuous motion, use ESwab to:
   • Swab 1 tonsillar area up then down.
   • Move to back of throat as far down as possible, and swab there.  If the patient has complained of 1 spot being sore, swab that area well.
   • Move to other tonsillar area and swab.
   • Swab behind uvula, and remove swab.
4. Insert the ESwab into the tube and break the swab shaft at the breakpoint indicated by the colored line marked on the swab shaft.  Discard the remaining broken portion of the swab shaft. Replace cap on the tube and secure tightly.
5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
6. Do not refrigerate.

Specimen Type: Anal canal

Container/Tube: ESwab

Collection Instructions:

1. Carefully insert swab approximately 1 inch beyond anal sphincter.
2. Gently rotate swab to sample anal crypts.
3. Insert the ESwab into the tube and break the swab shaft at the breakpoint indicated by the colored line marked on the swab shaft.  Discard the remaining broken portion of the swab shaft. Replace cap on the tube and secure tightly.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
5. Do not refrigerate.

Specimen Type: Cervix, endocervix, vaginal

Container/Tube: ESwab

Collection Instructions:

1. Do not use lubricant on speculum.
2. Remove excess mucus, blood, and/or examination lubricants from cervix.
3. Insert swab and rotate swab for 15 to 30 seconds to ensure adequate sampling.
4. Insert the ESwab into the tube and break the swab shaft at the breakpoint indicated by the colored line marked on the swab shaft.  Discard the remaining broken portion of the swab shaft. Replace cap on the tube and secure tightly.
5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
6. Do not refrigerate.

Specimen Type: Urethra (Males only)

Container/Tube: Male urethra swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Patient should not have urinated for at least 1 hour prior to specimen collection.
2. Insert swab 2 cm to 4 cm into urethra and rotate swab for 3 to 5 seconds to ensure adequate sampling.
3. Return swab to transport tube.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
5. Do not refrigerate.