Specimen Requirements

Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Vaginal swab collected using the Aptima MultiTest Swab Specimen Collection Kit.
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen

Collection Instructions

1. Peel apart the plastic packaging around the MultiTest kit and remove the tube and swab.
2. Place the patient in position for a pelvic examination.
3. Partially peel apart the swab packaging and pull out the swab. Do not let the tip of the swab touch anything or lay the swab down. If the swab is touched, dropped, or laid down discard and get another MultiTest collection kit. Hold the shaft of the swab at the black score line.
4. Insert the swab into the vagina past the introitus and gently rotate the swab for 10 to 30 seconds. Make sure the swab touches the vaginal walls.
5. Withdraw the swab carefully, making sure not to touch the skin.
6. While holding the swab, unscrew the cap of the tube. Do not spill any of the contents inside the tube. If any fluid is spilled, discard and get another collection kit.
7. Insert the swab tip-down into the tube.
8. Align the black score line with the top of the tube and carefully break the shaft of the swab. Discard the top portion of the swab.
9. Tightly screw the cap back onto the tube and immediately label the tube with patient/lab identification information. Include date/time that the sample was taken.
10. Send the collection tube to the lab in a sealed biohazard bag.