Test Overview
Test Methodology

Culture for Chlamydia trachomatis.

Test Usage

Confirmation of the diagnosis of chlamydial infection. Chlamydia culture is used for detecting low levels of Chlamydia organisms present in suspected sexual abuse. If active Chlamydia infection is suspected, request the Chlamydia trachomatis DNA by PCR assay.

Reference Range *

Negative

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

This procedure cannot distinguish Chlamydia trachomatis from other Chlamydia species but C. psittaci and C. pneumoniae are rarely isolated from the genital tract. This procedure is not appropriate for testing urine or semen. Vaginal cultures are not recommended because they have low sensitivity.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Analytic Time

2 - 5 days

Soft Order Code
CHC
MiChart Code
Chlamydia trachomatis Culture
Synonyms
  • Lymphogranuloma venerum Culture
  • LGV Culture
  • Culture, Chlamydia trachomatis
  • CCLAM
  • CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS CULTURE
Laboratory
Sendout
Reference Laboratory
Warde CHC
Section
Special Testing
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Specimens should be collected early in the acute phase of infection. Obtain epithelial cells from infected site (e.g., insert and rotate a cotton, dacron or rayon tipped swab 2-4 cm into the male urethra or 1-1.5 cm into the female endocervical canal; do not use Calgiswab or swab with wooden shaft). Put swab into M4-RT transport medium, cutting or breaking the shaft to fit the tube. Tightly cap the vial, place in a plastic bag and refrigerate; do not freeze. Indicate culture site on request form. Acceptable culture sites include endocervix, endourethral, conjunctiva, rectal, peritoneal, nasopharyngeal, and throat. Urine is not an acceptable specimen for Chlamydia culture.

Alternate Specimen
Cul-de-sac fluids (undiluted), nasal wash, or bronchoalveolar lavage/wash, 2 mL (minimum 1 mL), IATA-approved sterile screw-capped plastic container. Nasal aspirate in vacuum trap, 1 mL (minimum 0.5 mL). Fallopian and/or uterine tissue specimens in saline or viral transport medium (snap frozen -20°C)
Normal Volume
1 swab
Rejection Criteria
Urine specimens are not acceptable for culture. Rectal swabs or stool preserved in formalin, SAF, or PVA. Specimens in Amplicor, EIA, Gen-Probe, or Probetec Transport media. Specimens in bacterial transport media, Stewart medium (Culturette). Specimens in bacteriological blood culture media. Dry swabs, wooden swabs, calcium alginate swabs, and swabs in gel transports.
Additional Information

Test sent to Warde Medical Laboratory.

Billing
CPT Code
87110
Fee Code
20067
LOINC
6349-5