Additional Specimen Collection Information

Physician-Collected Endocervical Swab Collection Instructions:

1. Obtain an Xpert Swab Collection Kit.
2. Remove excess mucus from the cervix and surrounding area using the large individually wrapped cleaning swab.
3. Open the package that contains the pink-capped Xpert Swab Transport Reagent tube and individually wrapped collection swab. Set the tube aside. Do not expose swab to Xpert Swab Transport Reagent prior to collection.
4. Open the collection swab wrapper by peeling open the top of the wrapper.
5. Hold the swab in your hand, placing your thumb and forefinger in the middle of the swab shaft.
6. Insert the collection swab into the endocervical canal. Rotate the swab clockwise for 10-30 seconds in the endocervical canal. Withdraw the swab carefully.
7. Unscrew the cap from the transport tube and immediately place the specimen collection swab into the transport reagent tube.
8. Identifying the score-line, break the swab shaft against the side of the tube. Discard the top portion of the swab shaft.
9. Recap the swab transport reagent tube and tighten the cap securely. Invert the tube 3-4 times to elute material from the swab.
10. Label the plastic transport tube with the patient name, patient identification number, date and time of collection and the initials of the nurse who collected the specimen. 

Patient-Collected Vaginal Swab Collection Instructions:

1. Obtain an Xpert Swab Collection Kit. Swabs are not to be sent home with patients. They must be collected at the healthcare facility.
2. Open the package that contains the pink-capped Xpert Swab Transport Reagent tube and individually wrapped collection swab. Set the tube aside. Do not expose swab to Xpert Swab Transport Reagent prior to collection.
3. Open the collection swab wrapper by peeling open the top of the wrapper. Remove the swab, taking care not to touch the tip or lay it down.
4. Hold the swab in your hand, placing your thumb and forefinger in the middle of the swab shaft across the score-line.
5. Carefully insert the swab into your vagina about two inches inside the opening of the vagina.
6. Gently rotate the swab for 10-30 seconds. Ensure the swab touches the walls of the vagina so that moisture is absorbed onto the swab. Withdraw the swab and continue to hold it in your hand.
7. Unscrew the cap from the transport tube and immediately place the specimen collection swab into the transport reagent tube.
8. Identifying the score-line, break the swab shaft against the side of the tube. Discard the top portion of the swab shaft.
9. Recap the swab transport reagent tube and tighten the cap securely.
10. Return the tube as instructed to your doctor, nurse, or care-provider. The Health Care Provider should label the plastic transport tube with the patient name, patient identification number, date and time of collection and the initials of employee who assisted with the collected the specimen.

Storage:
Swab specimens in transport tubes can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 60 days.