Specimen Requirements

Container Type: Plastic shafted swab in sterile tube with .5 mL saline
Specimen Type: Cervical, vaginal ( or urethral swab – not optimal)
Collection Procedure: A good collection is indicated by Moderate to Numerous epithelial cells. If no epithelial cells, consider a false negative possibility.
Specimen Processing: Transport at room temperature within 1 hour for Trichomonas.
Unacceptable Condition: Specimens received between 1-3 hours from collection will be performed with a disclaimer. >3 hours from collection will be rejected. Refrigerated samples rejected.
Limitations: Use for Stats. A delay of more than one hour from time of specimen collection until performance of a wet mount exam for Trichomonas leads to false negative results. Otherwise the more sensitive test is Vaginal Pathogens DNA Direct Probe. Specimens received with a wooden swab will be rejected.