Specimen Requirements

Submit  only ONE of the following specimen types:

Specimen Type: Vaginal or Cervix
Container/Tube: ESwab or Saline Collection Kit
Collection Instructions: Collect female genital discharge with the ESwab. Replace the swab back into the container and send to Microbiology as soon as possible.

How to use Swab:

1. Open the peel pouch and remove the contents. Aseptically unscrew and remove the cap from the ESwab.

2. Place the tube in a secure position so as not to allow the liquid to leak out of the tube.

3. Remove the swab. Collect the patient's sample using the swab.

4. Insert the swab back into the tube of liquid, all the way to the bottom of the tube.

5. Holding the swab shaft close to the rim of the tube, break the applicator shaft at the color breakpoint indication line.

6. Screw the cap on tightly to prevent leakage. Discard the broken handle of the shaft into an approved medical waste disposal container.

7. Write the patient's information (Name and Date of Birth) on the tube or apply a label with patient’s information. Indicate source.

8. Send specimen to the Laboratory.

• Detailed Instructions (link): Patient Collection Instructions
• Detailed Instructions (link): Urine Collection Guide for Staff

ONLY Peformed at Corewell Health Reference Laboratory, CHRL, Grand Rapids:

Specimen Type: Urine, Male

Container/Tube: Screw-cap, sterile container
Collection Instructions: Collection of first-voided urine, approximately 20 to 30 mL of the initial urine stream, particularly after a prostatic massage in male patients. Urine collected in a gray top tube w/boric acid is an unacceptable specimen