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Public Health Regional Laboratory: Testing Services

Nucleic Acid Amplification Assay for Neisseria Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Testing

This testing service is available to health providers and clinics in Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake counties.

Testing Method

BDProbeTec ET Neisseria Gonorrhea Amplified DNA Assay (strand displacement) is used for direct, qualitative detection of Neisseria Gonorrhea in approved specimen types.

Specimens

BDProbeTec ET Neisseria Gonorrhea Amplified DNA Assay is FDA approved for the following specimen types:

• Endocervical swab
• Male urethral swab
• Male and female first catch urine specimens

Specimen Collection

Use one of the following methods for specimen collection.

Endocervical swab:

1. Use only approved collection kit for specimen collection. Approved kits are available upon request at no charge.
2. Using the LARGE-TIPPED cleaning swab provided, remove excess mucus from the cervical os and then discard this cleaning swab.
3. Insert the THIN-TIPPED collection swab into the cervical canal and rotate for 15-30 seconds.
4. Withdraw the collection swab carefully. Avoid contact with the cervical mucosa.
5. Immediately place the swab into the transport tube. Make sure the cap is tightly secured to tube.
6. Label tube with patient information and date/time collected.

Urine:

1. Patient should not have urinated for at least 1 hour prior to specimen collection.
2. Urine may be collected in either a sterile, plastic, preservative-free urine container OR a urine collection container provided by Sonoma County Public Health Lab containing a nucleic acid preservative called DNA/RNA Protect.
3. Collect FIRST 15-60 milliliters of voided urine ("first catch", NOT midstream).
4. Label with patient identification and date/time collected.

Male Urethral Swab:

1. Use only a collection kit which is approved for the collection of male urethral swab specimens. Approved kits are available upon request at no charge.
2. Remove swab from packaging.
3. Insert the swab 2-4 cm into the urethra and rotate for 3-5 seconds.
4. Withdraw the swab and immediately place swab into transport tube. Make sure the cap is tightly secured to the tube.
5. Label the tube with patient information and date/time collected.

Specimen Storage

Store the specimen in refrigeration. Specimens must be received by the laboratory no later than 6 days after collection.

Specimen Transport

Specimens must be refrigerated during transport. DO NOT expose specimens to temperatures greater than 27 degrees Celsius.

Testing Results

Results are available 1 to 4 normal working days after receipt of specimen at the laboratory. A written report will be provided for all specimens received. Positive results will be phoned and/or faxed upon request.

Specimen Submission Forms

Use the Monster form.

Cost

Please call for current pricing.