Specimen collection

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.