Specimen Requirements

Specimen should be plated directly onto modified Thayer-Martin. Before inoculating plate, check to make sure it is not dried out (these specimens will be rejected by the laboratory). It is best to obtain Thayer-Martin media from laboratory just before specimen is obtained. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen. Transport specimen to laboratory in a CO₂ bag at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Anal Canal Specimen

1. Obtain specimen with a swab from crypts just inside anal ring or by anoscopy to collect mucopurulent exudate directly.

Cervix, Endocervix, or Vaginal Specimen (Females)

1. Do not use lubricant on speculum.
2. Cervical mucus should be removed first before inserting swab into endocervical canal.
3. Move swab from side-to-side. Avoid touching swab to uninfected surface.

Nasopharyngeal Specimen

1. Obtain specimen using a type 1 swab.
2. Holding swab between thumb and forefinger of 1 hand and sheath in other hand, give soft wire a 10° to 20° bend. This slight curve fits the nose better, making procedure more comfortable for patient.
3. Slide swab along floor of nose (hand down by patient’s chin to start swab) with very light pressure to nasopharyngeal wall.
4. Rotate swab, leave in place for 1 minute, and remove along floor of nose.

Pus, Serous Fluid, or Synovial Fluid

1. Collect specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container.

Urethra Specimen (Males)

1. Use a mini-tip swab to collect specimen.
2. Collect specimen 1 hour or more after urination. It may be collected from discharge. If no discharge is present, a sterile nasopharyngeal-type swab may be used to obtain specimen from anteria urethra.
3. Insert mini-tip swab 2 cm to 4 cm into urethra.
4. Rotate swab so that it comes into contact with all urethral surfaces. Leave swab inserted 2 to 3 seconds and remove.

 Prostatic culture is less informative than urethral culture.