VAGINAL: Use the APTIMA Vaginal Swab Collection Kit. 1. Partially peel open the swab package. Remove the swab. Do not touch the soft tip or lay the swab down. If the soft tip is touched, the swab is laid down, or the swab is dropped, use a new APTIMA Vaginal Swab Collection Kit. 2. Hold the swab, placing your thumb and forefinger in the middle of the swab shaft covering the score line. Do not hold the swab shaft below the score line. 3. Carefully insert the swab into the vagina about 2 inches (5 cm) past the introitus and gently rotate the swab for 10 to 30 seconds. Make sure the swab touches the walls of the vagina so that moisture is absorbed by the swab and then withdraw the swab without touching the skin. 4. While holding the swab in the same hand, unscrew the cap from the tube. Do not spill the contents of the tube. If the contents of the tube are spilled, use a new APTIMA Vaginal Swab Collection Kit 5. Immediately place the swab into the transport tube so that the score line is at the top of the tube. 6. Carefully break the swab shaft against the side of the tube at the score line and discard the top portion of the swab shaft, using care to avoid splashing of contents. 7. Recap the swab transport media tube tightly and label with two identifiers. Store and transport at room temperature or refrigerated (up to 30 days). See http://www.pathology.med.umich.edu/handbook/Tables/Aptima_Vaginal_Swab… for collection procedure guide.

ENDOCERVICAL: Use the APTIMA Unisex Swab Collection Kit. 1. Remove excess mucus from the cervical os and surrounding mucosa using the large, white shaft cleaning swab. Discard this swab. 2. Insert the small blue shaft collection swab into the endocervical canal. Gently rotate the swab clockwise for 10 to 30 seconds. 3. Withdraw the swab carefully, avoiding any contact with the vaginal mucosa. 4. Remove the cap from the swab specimen transport tube and immediately place the swab into the transport tube. 5. Carefully break the swab shaft against the side of the tube at the score line and discard the top portion of the swab shaft, using care to avoid splashing of contents. 6. Recap the swab specimen transport tube tightly and label with two identifiers. Store and transport at room temperature or refrigerated (up to 30 days). See http://www.pathology.med.umich.edu/handbook/Tables/Aptima_Unisex_Swab.p… for collection procedure guide.

Male urethral swabs will be accepted in Aptima transport (APTIMA Unisex Swab Collection Kit). However, test results have not been validated from this source so results will be reported with a disclaimer.