Neisseria gonorrhoeae culture

TEST DESCRIPTION

Specimen culture followed by subsequent evaluation for the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Bacterial growth of suspicious organisms on selective media is documented. Suspicious organisms are identified by other methods to confirm the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. 

Methodology

Selective enrichment culture

Reference range

Negative

TEST FREQUENCY & RESULT AVAILABILITY

Performed daily. Results are typically available within 3 days after specimen receipt.

ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN TYPES AND COLLECTION

• Dacron or rayon swab in Amies transport medium from one of the following sites:
  1. Urogenital
  2. Cervical
  3. Rectal
  4. Oropharyngeal
• Detailed collection instructions appear below

SPECIMEN STORAGE & TRANSPORT

Store and transport swabs in Amies transport medium at room temperature  (15–30 °C/59–86 °F) for up to 48 hours.

REJECTION CRITERIA

• Dry swabs
• Cotton swabs
• Specimen in medium other than Amies transport medium
• Hold time greater than 48 hours after collection
• Swab specimens that have been refrigerated or subjected to high temperatures

CODES

CPT: 87081

LOINC: 698-1

Test code: 2050

TEST FEE

Refer to the current fee schedule.

DETAILED SPECIMEN COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

• Vaginal swab
  1. Carefully insert the swab into the vagina about 2 inches (5 cm) and gently rotate the swab for 10 to 30 seconds. Make sure the swab touches the walls of the vagina so that moisture is absorbed by the swab and then withdraw the swab without touching the skin.
  2. Place the swab in Amies transport medium.
• Urethral swab (preferred site for males)
  1. Delay obtaining specimen until 2 hours after patient has last voided.
  2. Gently insert the urogenital swab into the urethra (women 1-2 cm, men 2-4 cm). Rotate the swab in one direction for at least one revolution for a minimum of 10 seconds.
  3. Place the swab in a tube of Amies transport medium.
  4. Alternatively, if a pus exudate can be expressed from the urethra to the tip of the penis, roll the swab in the exudate; place the swab in a tube of Amies transport medium.
• Endocervical (preferred site for females)
  1. Specimen collection should be done with a sterile Dacron swab.
  2. Rotate swab against the wall of the endocervical canal several times for 20-30 seconds and withdraw without touching the vaginal surface.
  3. Place the swab in a tube of Amies transport medium.
  4. Speculum should be lubricated with water only.
• Rectal swab
  1. Insert sterile swab approximately 1-1.5 inches in the anal canal. Move swab from side to side in the anal canal to sample crypts.
  2. Allow swab to remain for 10-30 seconds for absorption of organisms onto the swab.
  3. Place the swab in a tube of Amies transport medium.
• Oropharyngeal (throat) swab
  1. Gently use tongue depressor to look for areas of inflammation (redness) and exudate (pus).
  2. Carefully, but firmly, guide the swab over:
     • Several areas of inflammation or pus
     • The tonsils (or tonsillar crypts if tonsils have been removed)
     • Posterior pharynx (back of throat)
  3. Place the swab in Amies transport medium.