Specimen Requirements

Submit one of  the following specimen.

Endocervix (Females Only) or Cervix

Container/Tube: Swab from Cobas PCR Swab Sample Packet

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:
1. Remove excess mucus from cervix and surrounding mucosa using 1 swab provided. Discard cleaning swab.

2. Insert second swab 1 cm to 1.5 cm into endocervical canal.

3. Rotate swab for 30 seconds to ensure adequate sampling.

4. Withdraw swab carefully; avoid any contact with vaginal mucosa.

5. Insert collection swab into Cobas PCR Media.

6. Snap off shaft at score line or cut shaft to fit tube, cap tube securely.

7. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

8. Transport at room temperature.

Note: Indicate source of specimen.

Vaginal

1. Insert the swab about 5 cm into the vaginal opening. Gently turn the swab for about 30 seconds while rubbing the swab against the walls of the vagina. Withdraw the swab carefully. Do not let the swab touch any surface before placing it into the collection tube.                                                                                                                                                          2. Remove the cap from the cobas PCR Media tube and lower the swab specimen into the tube until the visible dark line on the swab shaft is aligned with the tube rim. The tip of the swab should be just above the media surface near the hexagonal Roche logo.                                                   

3. Carefully leverage the swab against the tube rim to break the swab shaft at the dark line; discard the top portion of the swab.                                                                                                                                                         4. Tightly re-cap the cobas PCR Media tube.                                                                                         5. Label with patient's name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and specimen type.                        

 6.  Transport at room temperature.