Objectives
     • Learn about specimen collections
     • Learn about specimen submissions
     • Learn about specimen ordering
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                                 CT/GC Testing
   • Gen-Probe/Hologic APTIMA Combo 2 Assay
      – A target amplification nucleic acid probe test that utilizes target 
       capture for the in vitro qualitative detection and differentiation of 
       ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) 
       and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) to aid in the diagnosis of 
       chlamydial and/or gonococcal urogenital disease.
      – FDA-cleared for male urethral and endocervical swab 
       specimens, plus male and female first-catch urine (FCU) 
       specimens, and in patient-and clinician-collected vaginal swab 
       specimens.
      – Turnaround Time:  2-5 days
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                                 Specimen Collection
     • Acceptable Specimen Types
        – Urine (Male & Female)
        – Vaginal Swab
        – Unisex Swab
           • Endocervical
           • Male Urethral
           • Rectal 
     • Must be collected using only 
       APTIMA Specimen Collection Kits 
       (see package insert for instructions)
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          CT/GC Testing: Specimen Transport
     • Specimen Transport
        – Store specimens in their collection systems and keep at 
          15-30°C until shipped to ISDH
        – Specimens must be transported to the ISDH Lab at 2‐
          30°C in Gen-Probe/Hologic urine, vaginal or unisex 
          swab APTIMA Collection Kits.
        – Specimens MUST be received at the ISDH Lab in a 
          timely manner:
           • Urine: within 30 days of collection
           • Swabs: within 60 days of collection
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      Common Causes of Specimen Rejection
    • Mismatch of patient name/ID
        – Name on specimen tube and LimsNet entry don’t match
    • Lack of patient identifier on specimen tube
        – Specimen tube is completely blank
    • Specimen tube is leaking or broken
    • Specimen received in Lab after:
        – 30 days for urine specimens
        – 60 days for swab specimens
    • Improper specimen type
    • Expired transport tube
    • Multiple swabs in specimen tube
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