Specimen Collection Manual

Specimen Collection

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General Lab Information

Lab Hours – Main Phone Numbers   

PCNM office hours: M-F 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Main number: (575) 622-5600
Toll Free:(800) 753-7284

A pathologist is available 24 hours a day.

Emergency services are available after hours by contacting the on-call pathologist.
Call (575) 622-5600 ext. 217 or (800) 753-7284 ext. 217[/print]


Specimen Labeling and Handling – General Information
PCNM only accepts specimens from authorized providers.

Complete, accurate requisitions and correct specimen labeling are critical for ensuring positive patient identification, patient safety, and quality patient care.

  • Complete all sections of the requisition.
  • Label specimens with patient ID and appropriate specimen site/type. Place the label on the container itself and not on the lids.
  • Place the specimen container and requisition/paperwork in a specimen transport biobag. The container goes in the main zip-lock part and the requisition in the outer side pocket.
  • Incomplete information or specimen to requisition mismatch may result in a delay of results, the inability to process the specimen, or returning the specimen to your office.

A minimum of two (2) patient identifiers are required on the specimen container, one of which must be the patient’s name. Label as follows:

  1. Patient’s full name (first and last, no nicknames).
  2. A secondary, unique identifier such as date of birth, Social Security number, or other unique identifier of the patient.
  3. Attach a peel-off barcode number from the requisition form to the specimen container. This label is unique to each requisition and aids in matching specimen container to their corresponding requisition.

For multiple specimen containers from the same patient and procedure:

  1. Label with patient identifiers as above.
  2. Indicate the specimen source and/or site on each container.

Important: The two patient identifiers used on specimen containers must match those on the requisitions. Failure to do so will result in the specimen being rejected and returned to the clinician.


Sending specimens to PCNM by FedEx or USPS
Specimens that are sent by FedEx, UPS, or United States Postal Service methods (as opposed to courier services) are strictly regulated by a number of agencies. The regulations state that the “shipper” (in this case, the clinician’s office) is responsible for ensuring that the package meets the regulation requirements, and that staff members who ship specimens completed training.

Although PCNM has no enforcement of regulatory role or responsibility in your implementation of these regulations, we feel an obligation to assist our clients in ensuring that the specimens you send to PCNM meet the regulatory requirements.

PCNM will supply you with the proper packing and reference material to help ensure that the specimens are sent safely. PCNM provides the following guidelines as a service to our clients to assist properly trained shippers. This information does not take the place of formalized training.
If you are unsure about the regulations concerning shipping a patient specimen or have general questions about proper shipping methods and materials, please call our Logistics Coordinator.

Because they are in solutions that deactivate infectious organisms, the majority of patient specimens that you send PCNM are considered “exempt” from infectious materials regulations. They are, however, subject to the hazardous material transport regulations. Please call if you need to ship a specimen that is not in one of the fixative solutions.

When using the supplied materials, specimens must be packaged and labeled as follows.

The packaging must consist of:

  • A leak-proof primary receptacle (the actual specimen container)
  • A leak-proof secondary packaging (the plastic biobag)
  • An outer packaging of adequate strength, with one surface at least 100 mm x 100 mm (4in x 4in) (the cardboard box)
  • For liquids, absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents must be placed between the primary receptacle and the secondary packaging. (use the proper size sheet of absorbent paper for the amount of liquid in the box)
  • When multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they must be either individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them.
  • The outer packaging must be marked: “Exempt human specimen”


Requisitions and Reporting – General Information

Requisition Required Information

  • Performing clinician
  • Collection date
  • Patient name
  • Patient Social Security number
  • Patient date of birth
  • Patient sex
  • Pertinent clinical history or diagnostic question
  • Specimen source and site
  • Specific specimen information if there are multiple and/or different specimens from the same patient submitted on the same requisition
  • ICD-10 code or symptom/diagnosis
  • Insurance information (complete area on the requisition or attach copies of face sheet or card(s)
  • Medicare patients: Attach signed ABN form to requisition

Requisitions and Supplies
Requisitions and supplies may be ordered by filling out the online Supply Request form, faxing the completed Supply Request Form to (575) 622-4795, or calling the Logistics/Supplies Coordinator at ext. 231.

Reporting
A completed surgical pathology report is usually available within one working day of receipt of the specimen.

Exceptions:

  • Large specimens requiring overnight fixation
  • Bone requiring decalcification
  • Cases requiring special studies or additional sections
  • Cases requiring consultative assistance

Rush handling of specimens is available. Prior consultation with the pathologist on-call is required for this service.

Information on cases delayed beyond 24 to 48 hours can be obtained by calling client services at ext. 203.

Patient requests for slides or results will be referred to the ordering clinician’s office. If the ordering clinician requests slides or results to be given directly to the patient, the patient must be physically present with photo ID to receive the slides or report.

Please Note: PCNM is NOT able to send out original slides, and must make recuts. Please allow time for recuts to be made. Exceptions to this rule may be made in certain instances. Sending of original slides requires consultation with the pathologist and their approval.


Specimen Pick-up
Cut-off time for specimen pick-up (other than routine) is 4:00 pm.


Surgical Pathology
Histology Specimens –General Information

  • Specimens should be submitted in an adequate amount of 10% neutral-buffered formalin fixative. The volume ratio of fixative to specimen size is very important for proper preservation of the tissue. As a minimum requirement, there should be at least twice the volume of fixative as tissue. The specimen should be placed in a container large enough to hold this amount of fixative. Small biopsies should be placed in at least 20 mL of formalin.
  • For breast biopsies, be sure to indicate the time of the biopsy and the time the biopsy was placed in formalin. There is a place on the requisition for this information.
  • Extremely large specimens (e.g. amputated limbs) should be placed in a large container or securely fastened plastic bag. If these specimens are not fixed, they must be double bagged, the outer being a red, appropriately labeled biohazard bag. Store the bagged specimen in a refrigerator until a courier can pick up.
  • Questions arising outside of regular working hours are handled by the pathologist on- call.

Notes for Operating Room, Surgical Center, Ambulatory Care Personnel

  • Ensure that the correct requisition form is properly filled out (e.g., Surgical Pathology for tissue biopsies and nongyn specimens; Gyn Pathology for gyn-related procedures). Indicate preoperative and postoperative diagnoses and clinical information as available.
  • For breast biopsies, be sure to indicate the time of the biopsy and the time the biopsy was placed in formalin. There is a place on the requisition for this information.
  • Submit properly labeled containers of appropriate size for the specimen and the correct amount of formalin.
  • Generate a face sheet to accompany the specimen to the lab.
  • For frozen sections during normal working hours, give the pathologist a 15-minute lead-time (in the case of a rural location, dates must be scheduled ahead of time). Be sure to contact the pathologist for any additional questions or when the situation is in any way unusual to you.
  • Submit lymph node tissue fresh. Contact the pathologist on-call immediately for their handling of the specimen. If a pathologist can not be available or if there is a problem or delay, submit additional tissue in AZF fixative. Call the on-call pathologist for what to do if you do not have the AZF fixative, and how to handle these situations.


Histology Specimens – Special Procedures

Routine Biopsies

  • Specimens should be submitted in an adequate amount of 10% neutral-buffered formalin fixative. The volume ratio of fixative to specimen size is very important for proper preservation of the tissue. As a minimum requirement, there should be at least twice the volume of fixative as tissue. The specimen should be placed in a container large enough to hold this amount of fixative. Small biopsies should be placed in at least 20 mL of formalin.
  • For breast biopsies, be sure to indicate the time of the biopsy and the time the biopsy was placed in formalin. There is a place on the requisition for this information.


Frozen Section/Intraoperative Consult

  • Appointments should be made in advance for frozen sections by calling PCNM between 5:00 am and 5:00 pm (575) 622-5600 or (800) 753-7284 ext. 218. The pathologist on-call should be contacted at least 30 minutes in advance of the frozen section on weekends, holidays, or outside regular working hours. Frozen sections, intraoperative consultation, and FNAs other than at our full-coverage institutions are to be scheduled in advance and on scheduled visit days.
  • Tissue for frozen section must be delivered in the fresh state with care taken to avoid the specimen drying out during transport. A completed Surgical Pathology requisition and patient face sheet must accompany the specimen.
  • Upon completion of the frozen section, the pathologist will verbally contact the surgeon with the diagnosis.


Lymph Node Biopsy

  • All diagnostic lymph node biopsies should be promptly evaluated by a pathologist in the fresh state to ensure that the proper studies are performed. The on-call pathologist should be contacted to handle the specimen. If an infectious process is suspected, additional sterile tissue should be sent directly to the microbiology laboratory at your institution for culture.
  • Lymph nodes removed in a physician’s office and for a suspected diagnosis of possible lymphoma should be wrapped in saline-moistened gauze and PCNM should be contacted immediately for pick up (575) 622-5600, ext. 218.


Sentinel Node Biopsy
Procedural Assumptions

Sentinel lymph nodes are identified using a supravital dye and/or radioisotopes. IHC cytokeratin staining will be performed routinely if negative by H&E.

Sentinel nodes that were identified via radioisotopes will be placed in formalin (if not already) and might be stored for 24 hours prior to handling to allow for radiolabel decay.


Skeletal Muscle Biopsy
Skeletal muscle biopsies require coordination between the surgeon and the pathology lab. Proper and timely handling of muscle biopsy tissue is extremely important to ensure that the tissue retains all morphologic characteristics.

The most important step is having prior notification from the surgeon that he/she is going to perform a muscle biopsy.

Preferably, we should have at least 2 to 3 days prior notification. It is also important that biopsies not be obtained on a Friday as the tissue may deteriorate over a weekend.

  • The submitting surgeon must supply PCNM with sufficient history, physical examination findings, appropriate laboratory studies, and ancillary tests (e.g., EMG findings or others).
  • Obtain the biopsy from the most appropriate site. It is recommended that the surgeon does not inject Novocain into the biopsy site or cauterize.
    • It is important to obtain the biopsy from the muscle belly, not adjacent fascia
    • Obtain good longitudinal fibers; do not dissect using cautery as this creates significant artifacts. Obtain 5 to 6 mm x 2.5 cm of tissue.
  • Once the tissue is obtained, wrap the tissue in saline-soaked gauze. Do not immerse the skeletal tissue into saline. It is important that the tissue does not dry out. DO NOT allow the tissue to arrive floating in normal saline because the enzymes that are tested for are water soluble.
  • Have the appropriate operating room (OR) personnel contact PCNM to pick up the tissue.


Kidney Biopsy
Schedule these in advance with the histology supervisor. Notify them at the beginning of the procedure so that they can be on-site with the dissecting scope to examine the core(s) for adequacy and properly handle them.

Renal biopsies may be done with a Tru-Cut needle or a biopsy gun; with the latter, the specimens are much thinner, so a minimum of two cores should be obtained. The biopsy(s) should be received fresh, accompanied by appropriate clinical information.

Depending on the type of biopsy and clinical history, tissue will be submitted for light microscopy (LM), immunofluorescence (IF) and/or electron microscopy (EM), following the guidelines below:


Biopsy handling protocol:

  1. Two separate cores: Place one core in formalin for light and electron microscopy (LM and EM) studies. Place one core in Michel’s fixative for immunofluorescence (IF) studies.
  2. Single core/scant material: The core should either be divided in half for light and immunofluorescence or submitted entirely for light microscopy.


Immunofluorescence on Skin Biopsies
Submit two samples of tissue (preferably punch biopsies no smaller than 3 mm or one specimen divided in half). Include the appropriate clinical information and description of the lesion on the requisition.

One sample should be in 10% neutral-buffered formalin, and the other in Michel’s solution (supplies available through PCNM). Be sure the Michel’s is not outdated. Call PCNM with any questions. If the specimen is from an uninvolved site, please state such on the requisition.


Breast Tissue

  • Tissues suspected of being involved with a primary or metastatic breast carcinoma should be submitted for ER/PR/HER2/neu (Herceptest) Assay and other predicative markers.
  • Time without and with fixation affect the quality of the predictive markers. It is essential to indicate the time of the biopsy and the time the biopsy was placed in formalin. There is a place on the requisition for this information. Please ensure these specimens are picked up immediately, and that they reach the lab no later than 48 hours post collection to comply with CAP guidelines for breast tumor markers.
  • Analysis will be performed on fixed, paraffin-embedded section.


Bone Marrows
A bone marrow is usually performed by a medical practitioner and is assisted by a clinical lab technician if available. There are three components to every bone marrow interpretation.

Peripheral Smear(s) and CBC

  • Preferably on fresh drawn blood from the day of the procedure, or from a day or two prior to the procedure.
  • At least four slides should be made. If your facility has an approved Wright-Giemsa staining method, two of the slides should be stained and two left unstained.

Bone Marrow Aspirate and Smear(s)

  • From the fluid drawn, several (10 to 12) smears should be prepared and allowed to air dry. Aspirate smears are thicker and should have particles present. These will appear as translucent shiny dots in the central portion of the slides and are the actual bone marrow particles.
  • If your facility has an approved Wright-Giemsa staining method, two of the slides should be stained and the remainder should be left unstained.
  • A portion of the aspirate should be submitted in two green-topped blood vials for flow cytometric and cytogenetic studies.
    The remainder of the aspirate material is allowed to clot and be placed into formalin.

Bone Marrow Core and Touch Preparations

  • From the needle-core biopsy, imprint/touch prep slides are made (8 to 10).
  • If your facility has an approved Wright-Giemsa staining method, two of the slides should be stained and the remainder should be left unstained.
  • Once the slides have been prepared, the biopsy can be placed in formalin.

Additional Protocol for Bone Marrows

  • All slides, stained and unstained, should be forwarded with the formalin-fixed aspirate clot and core specimens to PCNM.
  • The aspirate specimens for flow cytometry and cytogenetics must be forwarded by your facility directly for optimal testing results.
  • Do not send the aspirate blood for flow and cytogenetic testing to PCNM. Contact PCNM for procedure.
  • A copy of the CBC values of the patients’ blood on the same day the bone marrow was collected is also required for interpretation. If this is inadvertently not done, the nearest CBC values to the date of the bone marrow procedure should be submitted.
  • All slides should have two identifiers, one of which must be the patient’s name and the other a secondary, unique identifier (e.g., date of birth or Social Security number). The remainder of the specimens also require a minimum of two patient identifiers, one of which the patient’s name. They should be submitted with a completed PCNM requisition, Bone Marrow Examination form, and CBC report.


Cytopathology
Cytology Specimens – General Information

  • Remember that all specimens should be considered infectious and handled according to Universal Precautions.
  • All specimens should be placed in sealed biohazard bags prior to transport.
  • Fresh specimens are preferred. Never add formalin, absolute alcohol, or other fixatives to a cytology specimen. A 1:1 mix of CytoLyt:Specimen volume can be used if delay in transport is anticipated. Refrigeration is preferred over fixative. Please call us to verify the need for CytoLyt before adding it to any specimens.
  • Check that all containers with screw caps are tightened securely to prevent leakage. CytoLyt, PreservCyt, and ThinPrep Pap vials have lines on them to help ensure that they are securely tightened. Tighten these so that the mark on the cap passes the line on the vial.
  • When syringes are used to obtain cytopathology specimens, needles must be removed and replaced with syringe caps.
  • Flow cytometry specimens should be submitted in RPMI.
  • All specimen containers and slides must be properly labeled:
    • With the patient’s name and a secondary identifier (such as date of birth, Social Security number, or other identifier unique to the patient).
    • Specimen site/type. Be sure to indicate if left or right and/or any other specimen site info, especially if more than one site is being sampled.
    • Label the container itself and not the lid.
    • And accompanied by a properly completed requisition that has all pertinent patient, specimen, clinical, and billing information.
  • Mismatch of patient identification between the specimen and requisition will result in the specimen being rejected.
  • For complete specimen submission instructions see Specimen Labeling and Handling – General Information


Cytology Specimens – Quick Reference
Cytology Specimens – Quick Reference

Specimens-NongynHow to Submit
*Fresh: is preferred; CytoLyt: equal parts specimen to CytoLyt
Anal CytologyThinPrep Pap vial. See detailed collection info below. View the Anal Cytology Quick Reference Guide PDF
Bronchial specimens : wash, BAL*Fresh or CytoLyt. Label with site and type.
CSF*Fresh or CytoLyt
Sputum*Fresh or CytoLyt
Body Fluids Pleural/Peritoneal/Pelvic Fluid*Fresh or CytoLyt. Label with site and side (L/R).
Breast Cyst Fluid*Fresh or CytoLyt
Breast DischargePrepare smear on glass slide and fixative (preferred method).
BrushingsSubmit brush in a balanced salt solution or CytoLyt solution.
Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA)1. Provide 1 air-dried slide and 1 fixed slide. Follow procedure below.
2. Express specimen into the provided tube of CytoLyt solution.
Perform needle rinse.
SmearsPrepare smear and immediately spray with cytology fixative. Submit in a cardboard or plastic slide holder.
Urine/Bladder Wash*Fresh or CytoLyt

Specimens: Gyn and Ancillary
 How to Submit
Conventional PapPrepare smear and immediately spray with cytology fixative or use the fixative supplied in the Pap Smear kit.
CT/NG testingSee detailed collection info below.
HPV testingSee detailed collection info below.
Vaginosis-Extended panelSee detailed collection info below.
COVID-19 TestingSee detailed collection info below.
BV/CV/TV PanelsSee detailed collection info below.


Breast/Nipple Discharge Collection

Labeling Instructions: Pre-label frosted end of glass slide with patient’s full name and whether the specimen is from the left or right breast.

Collection-Smear on glass slide and fixative (preferred method):

  1. Wipe the surface of the nipple with the gauze square to remove anucleated cells & debris.
  2. Gently massage subareolar area and nipple with thumb and forefinger.
  3. When secretion occurs, allow a pea-sized drop to accumulate. Touch the secretion with a clean glass slide and withdraw quickly.
  4. Immediately, spray the slides with 3-4 sprays of the cytology fixative in order to preserve the cells. Time is of the essence for good preservation – don’t let the slide dry before applying the fixative.
  5. Repeat procedure until all secretions from the nipple are collected. As many slides as possible should be attempted due to the fact that diagnostic cells most often appear on the latter slides and that the first few slides often contain degenerated cells.

Special Instructions: If the nipple secretion is thick, make additional slides using the “pull-a-part” method. Hold a second slide gently on top of the first, allow weight of the slide to spread the specimen, and then quickly pull the slides apart. Fix each of the slides immediately before specimen dries.

Fine-Needle Aspiration Collection
Use the supplied spray cytology fixative, glass slides, and CytoLyt solution.

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) with air-dried smears / wet-fixed smears:

  1. Label slides and CytoLyt vial with the patient’s name and date of birth. Also label with the specimen site. Indicate if left or right or other relevant specimen site info, especially if more than one site is being sampled.
  2. Take one pass and express one or two drops from needle at middle of slide.
  3. Place another slide over the drop and allow the drop to spread.
  4. Separate the two slides. Spray cytology fixative to one slide immediately and allow the other slide to air dry. Verify the labeling of the slides.
  5. Make at least three to six passes trying to sample the mass thoroughly and express the specimen into the CytoLyt solution tube.
  6. Rinse the needle by drawing approximately 5 mL of the CytoLyt fluid into the syringe and re-express back into the tube.
  7. Repeat this with each needle and syringe used.
  8. Check that the labeling of the CytoLyt tube and slides have been completed appropriately.
  9. Send these to the lab along with all pertinent clinical information including level of clinical suspicion for malignant lesions and radiographic findings.


Anal Cytology Collection

Collection Supplies
A. Preferred Collection Method in Cytology Collection Fluid:

B. Alternative Sample Collection Method—Smear and Glass Slide

  • Dacron swab or cytobrush
  • Glass microscope slides for making smears
  • Cytology fixative Spray
Anal Cytology Collection In Cytology Collection Fluid
LabelingRefer to PCNM Specimen Labeling Requirements listed in this manual.
HandlingAll specimens should be regarded as potentially infectious and handled according to Universal Precautions.
Collection Supplies
  • Dacron swab (not cotton, as cotton tends to trap and hold cells), or cytobrush
  • PreservCyt or ThinPrep Pap vial of collection solution
Patient PrepNo special patient prep is needed, though the patient may be advised to refrain from receptive anal intercourse or the use of intra-anal preparations before examination.The sample can be collected with the patient in either the lateral recumbent or dorsal lithotomy position, whichever is most convenient.
Sample Collection and Storage

Sample:

  1. Moisten the Dacron swab with water or use a cytobrush. Do not use lubricant. It is important to use a Dacron swab and not a cotton swab, as cells tend to cling to cotton and don’t release easily in cytology collection fluids.
  2. The Dacron swab should be inserted approximately 5-6 cm (~ 2 inches) into the anal canal past the anal verge. This is done without direct visualization of the anal canal. Once inserted deep enough into the anus (necessary to collect both rectal glandular and anal squamous cells, and sample the transition zone between the two areas); apply firm lateral pressure to the swab handle so that if firmly contacts the wall of the anus, simultaneously rotate the swab and slowly withdraw it from the anal canal, making a cone-shaped arc. Just a swab/smear of the perianal skin is an unsatisfactory sample, the entire anal canal must be sampled.
  3. Rinse the swab/brush as quickly as possible in the PreservCyt solution by rotating the device in the solution at least 10 times while pushing against the PreservCyt vial wall. Swirl the brush vigorously to further release material. Discard the swab/brushing.
  4. Tighten the cap so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.
  5. Label the vial with the patient’s name, second unique identifier, and requisition barcode label.
  6. If making a smear, spread the specimen on a slide being sure to remove the specimen from all sides of the swab and immediately spray the slide with cytology fixative.
  7. Put the specimen in a biohazard specimen bag along with the completed requisition, in their respective compartments of the bag.

Storage: Specimen stability in PreservCyt solution is 6 weeks @ room temp (15-30°C)

Specimen Rejection

Samples may be rejected under the following circumstances:

  • Use of expired reagents


Cytology Ancillary Testing
IMPORTANT: These tests are DNA/RNA based. Specimen containers must be individually bagged to prevent cross-contamination between specimens.

Be sure to use the appropriate collection media for the intended testing. If the test collection media you have is not listed below, please call for guidance prior to collecting the specimen.

PCNM tests include, HPV, CT/NG, Vaginosis panels. Collection media options vary with each test.

From the ThinPrep vial we can test for:

  • HPV
  • CT/NG
  • Extended vaginosis panel
  • HSV
  • Trichomonas

Manufacturer Test Kit must be used for:

  1. CT/NG testing with Gen-Probe Aptima Combo 2 test kits:
    • Unisex Swab Kit: endocervical swab and urethral male
    • Urine test kit for females and males
  2. COVID-19 Testing
  3. BV/CV/TV Panels



ThinPrep Pap Test Collection and Coding

Collection Information:

  • Check expiration date of vial before use
  • Specimen in the ThinPrep vial is good for 6 weeks after collection
  • Rinsing of the brush is essential for adequate cellularity in the vial
  • Follow the Quick Reference guides

ThinPrep Quick Reference guides:

Coding Information
Correct ICD-10 Coding for Pap and ancillary test is essential for proper insurance billing and reimbursement. Refer to this guide: Molecular Microbiology ICD-10 Codes for Medicare and All Insurances.

HPV Testing

HPV Testing using the Aptima HPV Assay for High-Risk HPV types and Aptima HPV 16 18/45 Genotype Assay.
The following table provides the details on the proper collection, handling, and storage for specimens to be tested for HPV using the Aptima HPV method.

  • This method is FDA-approved for females only. There is no sampling device approved for males.
  • The Aptima HPV Assay has only been validated for use with cervical specimens collected in PreservCyt Solution using a broom-type or cytobrush/spatula collection device.
  • All specimens must be individually bagged to 
LabelingSee Specimen Labeling and Handling
HandlingAll specimens should be regarded as potentially infectious and handled according to Universal Precautions.
Interfering SubstancesIncludes, but is not limited to, acetic acid and iodine.
Specimen Collection and Storage

Endocervix, brushing in ThinPrep PreservCyt:

  • Collection: See ThinPrep Pap Quick Reference Guide Submit entire vial.
  • Storage: Store at 15 to 30C (room temperature). Sample must be received by laboratory within 30 days after collection. Do not freeze.
Specimen Rejection

Samples may be rejected under the following circumstances:

  • Inadequate labeling
  • Expired transport media
  • Insufficient specimen volume
CT/NG Testing

CT/NG (CT/GC) Testing by Nucleic Acid AmplificationAptima Combo 2 Method
The following table provides the details on the proper collection, handling, and storage for specimens to be tested for CT/NG for this method of testing.

VERY IMPORTANT: Specimen containers must be individually bagged to prevent cross-contamination.

Collection InformationFemaleMale
LabelingSee Specimen Labeling and HandlingSame as for female
Handling
  • Individually bag to prevent cross-contamination between specimens.
  • All specimens should be regarded as potentially infectious and handled according to Universal Precautions.
Same as for female
Specimen Rejection

Subject rejection criteria:

  • Submitted in M4 media
  • Pace media
  • Submitted in Digene Cervical Sampler tubes
  • Submitted in expired transport tubes
  • Swab or transport media is not from “Aptima Unisex Swab Collection Kit”
  • No swab in Swab Transport tube
  • Two swabs in transport tube. Submit blue-shafted swab used for sample collection.
  • Aptima Urine transport tube not filled to within the “Fill Area” marked on tube.
  • Urine submitted in a primary collection container received greater than 24 hours post-collection.
  • Inadequate labeling. [Must have patient’s name and secondary, unique identifier such as date of birth and social security number.]
Same as for female
Acceptable Specimen Types
Important: To prevent specimen rejection, all swab and urine specimens must be collected and transported using the correct Aptima Collection kit. Check for expiration dates prior to use. If fresh urine is submitted, note the collection time on the requisition. Sample must be received by PCNM within 24 hours of collection.

Special Handling/Collection. Specimens must be submitted one of these ways:

  • Endocervical brushing in ThinPrep PreservCyt Pap Vial
  • Endocervical or urethral swab using Aptima Unisex Swab in Aptima Swab Specimen Transport Tube
  • Urine in Aptima Urine Specimen Transport Tube
  • Fresh urine (Note special handling requirements above)

NOTE: Specimens collected concurrently using the ThinPrep vial and either of the transport media types will be tested using the ThinPrep PreservCyt specimen unless otherwise indicated by the clinician.

Specimen Collection and Storage

ThinPrep PreservCyt Specimens:

  • Endocervical brushing in ThinPrep PreservCyt:
  • Collection: See ThinPrep Pap Quick Reference Guide
  • Submit entire vial
    • Storage and transport: Maintain at 2 – 30C. Deliver to lab within 30 days after collection.

Collection Kit Specimens:

Warnings And Precautions:
Do not apply the transport medium directly to skin or mucous membranes or take internally. Use this collection kit only with the APTIMA® Assays. Performance has not been established with other products.

Kit Storage Requirements:
Store collection kit at room temperature (15°C to 30°C).

Specimen Transport And Storage:
After collection, transport and store the swab in the swab specimen transport tube at 2°C to 30°C until tested. Specimens must be assayed with the APTIMA Assays within 60 days of collection.

Specimen Collection and Handling:
Unisex Swab Collection Kit Specimens using Endocervical or Male Urethral swab
Urine Collection Kit

Vaginosis Extended Panel

A panel is available that tests for the less frequent pathogens that may cause vaginosis, cervicitis, and urethritis. Please call PCNM for details on this test and how to request it. The specimen should be submitted in the ThinPrep Pap collection vial.