Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Testing

Patient samples are analyzed using nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) methods specific for Gonorrhea or Chlamydia. This testing is being offered to State clinics and various locations approved by the Division of Public Health.

Tests Offered

• NAAT testing for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia from urine and urogenital specimens
• Culture for Gonorrhea from oral, rectal and urogenital specimens

Sample, Collection, Handling and Shipment of the Specimen

1. All specimens must be obtained using the collection kit supplied by the current test system in use in the laboratory. Kits are obtained by contacting the laboratory.
2. Complete a Test Requisition Form [ Text only version ]. Please note:  Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) users must submit test requests online
3. Specimens should be labeled with patient name, date of collection and clinic or school name using the appropriate barcode label and placed in a biohazard bag for transport. Only one urine specimen is permitted per bag.
4. Specimens and/or forms should be sent to the laboratory, preferably the same day of collection. If using a lab drop site, be sure that the specimens will be picked up within the acceptable time frame.
5. Specimens are stable at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 30 days.
6. Urine collection - first void specimen
   • Ensure that the patient has not voided within the last hour prior to collection
   • Collect the first part of the urine stream, obtaining 15-20 cc of urine, allow the remainder of stream to go into the toilet. Transfer 2cc of urine to the urine collection tube using the pipette. Both the collection tube and the pipette are included in the kit. (This is different than urine collection for culture which requires clean-catch midstream in a sterile container)
7. For Urogenital Swab Collection please refer to package instructions.
8. NAAT is specific to Gonorrhea and Chlamydia nucleic acids which can be detected regardless of viability. Retesting should only be performed after 3 weeks from the start of treatment.

Results

Results are available within 1-3 days of specimen receipt by the laboratory.

Sample Rejection

Samples will be rejected if they are:

• Unlabelled - All specimens MUST be labelled appropriately.
• Insufficient in Quanity - No specimen received, no specimen in container, or insufficient specimen to perform testing.
• Improper Collection - Specimens must be received in the appropriate collection kit with the blue swab.
• Over/Under Filled Urine Collection Kits - Specimen volume must fall within the marked volume window.
• Damaged - Specimens that leaked or were broken in transit.
• Too Old - Specimens greater than 30 days old are unreliable for testing.
• Inappropriate specimen - If the specimen is obtained from sites that have not been approved for this testing (throat, rectal, eye or ear are not FDA cleared sites for this method).

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