Specimen Requirements

Swab specimen must be collected using an APTIMA Collection Unisex Swab. These swabs are contained in the APTIMA Collection Kit.

Specimen Type: Endocervix

Container/Tube: APTIMA Collection Unisex Swab

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Use cleaning swab (white shaft) to remove excess mucus from endocervix and discard.
2. Insert second swab (blue shaft) 1 to 1.5 cm into endocervical canal, and rotate swab gently for 30 seconds. Avoid touching vaginal wall when removing swab.
3. Place second swab into transport tube provided in collection kit. Snap off swab at score line so swab fits into closed tube.
4. Cap tube securely, and label tube with patient's entire name, and date and time of collection.
5. Transport and store swab container at 2 to 30° C (refrigerate is preferred temperature). 
6. Swab is stable at 2 to 30° C for 60 days. If longer storage is needed, freeze at -20 to -70 degrees C for 12 months.

Specimen Type: Urethra (Males Only)

Container/Tube: APTIMA Collection Unisex Swab

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Patient should not have urinated for at least 1 hour prior to collection.
2. With a rotating movement, insert swab (blue shaft) 2 to 4 cm into urethra.
3. Once inserted, rotate swab gently at least 1 full rotation using sufficient pressure to ensure swab comes into contact with all urethral surfaces. Allow swab to remain inserted for 2 to 3 seconds.
4. Place swab in transport tube provided in collection kit. Snap off swab at score line so swab fits into closed tube.
5. Cap tube securely, and label tube with patient's entire name, and date and time of collection.
6. Transport and store swab container at 2 to 30° C (refrigerate is preferred temperature).  Swab is stable at 2 to 30° C for 60 days. If longer storage is needed, freeze at -20 to -70 degrees C for 12 months.

Specimen Type: Extragenital (throat and rectal)

Container/Tube: APTIMA Collection Unisex Swab

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Swab site using Aptima Collection Unisex Swab (T583).  (The white swab provided within the collection kit is a cleaning swab and should not be used for collection. Discard the white cleaning swab.)
2. Place swab in transport tube provided in collection kit. Snap off swab at score line so swab fits into closed tube.
3. Cap tube securely, and label tube with patient's entire name, and date and time of collection.
4. Transport and store swab container at 4°C to 30°C, or -20°C and -70°C until tested.
5. Specimens must be assayed with the Aptima Combo 2 Assay within 60 days of collection.

Specimen Type: Vaginal (Self-collection)

Please see "Vaginal Self-Collection Guide" under "Resources"