Specimen Collection
Specimen (s)
For detailed and graphical information refer to the
LabPlus Microbiology STI Specimen Collection Guide
.
ONLY
use Aptima collection kits for swabs and urines. (Other swabs cannot be tested)
Recommended sites:
Microbiology STI Specimen Collection Guide
LabPlus Microbiology STI Specimen Collection Guide
Hologic Aptima Multitest Swab (orange label/pink swab):
Used for vaginal (doctor/nurse or self-collect). Used for Rectal and Throat samples (male or female)
After collection, insert swab in the Aptima tube, and snap off at the black score line.
Note: Specimens will be rejected if:
-
Wrong swab is used
-
Foil cap is pierced with swab
-
Swab is folded over
-
More than one swab in tube
-
Leaking sample (swab or urine)
-
Mislabelled specimen
Store and transport at room temperature.
Hologic Aptima Urine Tube (yellow label)
Used for male urine samples, first catch, collected in a urine pottle.
Females urines can also be tested.
Transfer urine (using pipette in kit) to the yellow label tube.
The volume
MUST BE
in the fill area (between the black lines) otherwise the specimen will be rejected.
Urine MUST be added to the APITMA urine tube within 24 hrs from collection, otherwise it will not be suitable for processing and will be rejected.
Store and transport at room temperature.
Hologic Apitma Unisex Swab (white label/blue swab)
Used for eye or other sites where a thin swab is required.
Collection notes as for Multitest swab above.
Turnaround Time: Within 3 days
Hours of Service: Monday to Friday only.
Turn-around time excludes weekends and public holidays.
In most circumstances, the results will be available the next working day.
Assay Method
The assay is performed on the Panther Fusion (Hologic) system.
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
The Panther Fusion assay utilises transcription mediated amplification (TMA) technology and detects target RNA if present.
The specimen collection tube contains a buffer that releases RNA from the organism. If present, potentially high levels of RNA can be present in the sample. It is therefore particularly important to handle the specimen carefully to prevent contamination. If leakage occurs, discard and recollect. Leaking samples arriving in the laboratory will be discarded. Any leakages must be cleaned up using 3% Bleach solution.
The Panther TMA assay is used for urogenital swabs and urines, including rectal, throat and eye specimens. Other unusual sites eg aspirates/fluids, can be tested, but the method is not validated for these.
NOTE:
Confirmatory testing cannot be performed on these samples.
For medico-legal specimens refer to the
"Medico-legal Specimen Collection Guide for Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea/Trichomonas Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT)"
Please See:
Chlamydia culture
Medico-legal Specimen Collection Guide for Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea/Trichomonas Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT)
STI Specimen Collection guide
Trichomonas MIC (susceptibility testing)
Urogenitial screen
Contact Information
Dr Sally Roberts
, Microbiologist:
ext 22705
Cellphone
021 674 140
Dr Sharmini Muttaiyah
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 615 892
Dr Mary de Almeida
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 170 9117
Dr Matthew Blakiston
, Microbiologist: contact via Lablink
Dr Veronica Playle
, Microbiologist: contact via Lablink
Specimen Transport Instructions for Referring Laboratories
Ensure specimens will not leak in transit, otherwise they will be rejected.
Specimens in Aptima tubes are stable and can be transported at room temperature
For Medico legal specimens, read the notes under Diagnostic Use in the section.