Physician Office Specimen Requirements

Specimens must be collected using the Cepheid Collection Device (swabs); specimens collected using any other swab are not acceptable for PCR testing.  Obtain Cepheid swabs from the AVH Laboratory.

To obtain adequate specimen, follow the instructions in this section closely.

1. Open the Cepheid Collection Device by peeling back the outer packaging.

2. Wipe away excessive amounts of secretion or discharge.

3. Remove both marked swabs from the transport container.

4. Carefully insert both marked swabs into the patient's vagina. Sample secretions from the mucosa of the lower one-third part of the vagina. Rotate the swabs three times to ensure uniform sample on both swabs.

5. Using the same marked swabs, carefully insert both swabs approximately 2.5 cm beyond the anal sphincter, and gently rotate to sample anal crypts.

6. Place both marked swabs in the transport container.The swabs should go all the way into the tube until they rest on top of the sponge at the bottom of the tube.  Make sure the red cap is on tightly.  Note: the swabs should stay attached to the red cap at all times.

7. Label the plastic transport tube with patient ID and send to the laboratory.

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.