Specimen Requirements

Hologic Aptima Swab and Specimen Transfer Tube only.

Pharyngeal and Rectal:

1. Insert the specimen collection swab (blue shaft) into the throat or rectum.

2. Gently rotate swab clockwise for 10-30 seconds to ensure adequate sampling.

3. For pharyngeal sources,withdraw swab carefully, avoiding contact with the tongue.

4. Remove the cap from the swab specimen transport tube and immediately place the specimen collection swab into the transport tube.

5. Carefully break the swab shaft at the scoreline; use care to avoid splashing of contents.

6. Recap the swab specimen transport tube tightly.

7. After collection, transport and store swab specimen transport tube at 2-30° C. Assay within 60 days of collection.

Male Patient Urethral Swab:

1. The patient should not have urinated for at least one hour prior to sample collection.

2. Insert the specimen collection swab (blue shaft) 2 to 4 cm into the urethra.

3. Gently rotate the swab clockwise for 2-3 seconds in the urethra to ensure adequate sampling.

4. Withdraw the swab carefully.

5. Remove the cap from the swab specimen transport tube and immediately place the specimen collection swab into the transport tube.

6.Carefully break the swab shaft at the scoreline; use care to avoid splashing of contents.

7. Recap the swab specimen transport tube tightly.

8. After collection, transport and store swab specimen tube at 2-30° C. Assay within 60 days of collection.