Collection Instructions

CERVIX:

1. Warm the speculum with water and insert into the vagina (usual lubricants are lethal to gonococci).

2. Remove the mucus plug with a cotton ball and forceps.

3. Gently compress the cervix with the speculum blades to produce mucus.

4. Collect exudate on sterile cotton swab from a single swab Culturette or an Aerobic Transport swab.

5. If no exudate is produced, insert swab into the endocervical canal.

6. Rotate the swab to force exudate from the endocervical glands.

7. Inoculate a pre-warmed Jembec plate and deliver to the laboratory as soon as possible, making sure to add the CO2 tablet and placing the Jembec plate into the plastic transport bag.

URETHRA:

1. Moisten a Mini-Tip Culturette with sterile water.

2. Insert the swab approximately 2 centimeters into the urethra and rotate the swab gently.

3. Inoculate a pre-warmed Jembec plate and deliver to the laboratory as soon as possible, making sure to add the CO2 tablet and placing the Jembec plate into the plastic transport bag.

THROAT:

1. Select a Single Swab Culturette or an Aerobic Transport swab for collection of the specimen. Remove the swab from the transport tube.

2. Using a tongue depressor hold down the patient's tongue so the throat is well exposed and illuminated.

3. Rub the swab tip firmly over the back of the throat, both tonsils and tonsillar fossae, and any areas of inflammation, exudation or ulceration.

4. Care should be taken to avoid touching the tongue, cheeks or lips with the swab.

5. Inoculate a pre-warmed Jembec plate and deliver to the laboratory as soon as possible, making sure to add the CO2 tablet and placing the Jembec plate into the plastic transport bag.

RECTUM:

1. Pass the tip of a sterile single swab approximately 1 inch beyond the anal sphincter.

2. Carefully rotate the swab to sample the anal crypts then withdraw.

3. Inoculate a pre-warmed Jembec plate and deliver to the laboratory as soon as possible, making sure to add the CO2 tablet and placing the Jembec plate into the plastic transport bag