Specimen Requirements

Acceptable specimens:  Cervical, vaginal, or urine.

1.     The following specimen types are acceptable for testing of Trichomonas Vaginalis:

         - Aptima unisex swab specimen collection kit for cervical specimens (white label with purple text)

         - Aptima vaginal swab specimen collection kit (orange label)

         - Thin Prep Pap vial

2.     Instructions for collection of specimen are printed on the package.

3.     Label tube with patient's name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of collection, type of specimen and collector's initials.

4.     Trichomonas, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoeae, HPV and Pap smear testing can all be done on the same specimen if a Thin Prep vial is submitted for testing.

5.     Unacceptable specimens: specimens collected on white / cleaning swab, specimens other than cervical/vaginal, urine, or specimens from prepubertal patients.

Urine

Collect specimen as follows:

1. Patient should not have voided for 1 hour prior to specimen collection.

2. The first part of the stream (not midstream) should be collected in a sterile urine cup (20-30mL).

3. Label tube with patient's name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of collection, type of specimen, and collector's initials.

4. Please trasport to the lab at 2 to 30^o Celsius within 24 hours of collection.

5. Testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae can also be performed on the same specimen.