We are not able to answer any clinical questions from this website. Please contact your local sexual health clinic or other relevant services.
To provide feedback on any aspect of the guidelines, please use the form below.
We are not able to answer any clinical questions from this website. Please contact your local sexual health clinic or other relevant services.
To provide feedback on any aspect of the guidelines, please use the form below.
Self-collection of samples for NAAT testing
Vaginal swab: Instruct the patient to insert the swab into the vagina like a tampon and then remove and place into the correct transport tube for NAAT testing.
Rectal swab: Instruct the patient to insert the swab into the anal canal 2-4cms and then remove and place into the correct transport tube for NAAT testing.
First pass urine (FPU): Collect approximately 20 ml (1/3 of the standard urine jar) of the first part of the urine stream in a specimen jar at the time you are consulting the patient. The patient does not need to have held their urine for more than 20 minutes prior to specimen collection. A midstream urine (MSU) or early morning specimen (i.e. first void urine) are not required for NAAT.
Click here for information on how to describe self-collection technique to a patient.
Clinician collected for NAAT/culture/microscopy
Urethral swabs for microscopy: Collect only if the patient has frank urethral discharge and when the patient has not urinated for at least 1 hour. Squeeze the urethra to express the discharge and collect on urethral swab. It is not necessary to insert the swab into the urethra.
Anorectal swabs: Should be collected by inserting a sterile swab 2-4cm into the anal canal. To reduce patient discomfort, the swab can be moistened prior to insertion, using either saline or tap water. If using a proctoscope, rub the swab on the rectal mucosa.
Pharyngeal swabs: Collect from the tonsils and oropharynx.
High vaginal swab: Smear onto a glass slide, air dried and sent for microscopy. Insert swab into transport medium for culture.