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Test Code Billings Clinic: 6648 Wet Mount, Genital

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory: Microbiology

Useful For

  • Examination for the presence of Trichomonas, yeast, and clue cells.
  • The wet mount is negative in up to 30% of women with Trichomonas infections.

Methodology

Microscopic examination

Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive within 1 hour of collection (preferably within 20 minutes). Contact Billings Clinic Laboratory at 866-232-2522 to discuss the best specimen transport.
 
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
 
Acceptable Specimens:
Cervix, endocervix, vagina, or male urethra

  1. Obtain swab specimen from infected site.
  2. Wipe away excess secretion or discharge.
  3. For males, insert urethrogenital swab (ie, Mini-Tip CULTURETTETM) 2 cm to 4 cm into urethral lumen and rotate; leave in place for at least 2 seconds.
  4. For females, insert a large culture transport swab into the vagina and swab the cervix, endocervix, or vaginal wall.
  5. Place swab in a screw-capped, sterile container with sterile saline.
  6. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
  7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
  8. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

 

Reference Values

Reported as positive or negative for Trichomonas, yeast, and clue cells.
WBCs reported as present or absent. If present, they are quantitated.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87210 - Smear, primary source with interpretation; wet mount for infectious agents (eg, saline, India ink, KOH preps)