Test Overview
Test Methodology

Transcription mediated amplification (TMA)

Test Usage

Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis(CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae(GC), Trichomonas vaginalis(TVAG) and Mycoplasma genitalium(MGEN) in female, patient collected vaginal specimens.
Patient collected test codes:
STISC (CT, GC, TVAG and MGEN)
CGTSC (CT, GC,TVAG)
CGMSC (CT, GC,MGEN)
CGSC (CT, GC)

Reference Range *

Negative

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

Test Limitations

Adequate specimen collection is important. Mucoid specimens may cause inhibition of the assay. Some feminine sprays, powders, spermicidal agents, and lubricants may interfere with the assay and should not be used prior to specimen collection. A negative result does not exclude the possibility of infection. Predictive value of test will vary depending on disease prevalence. Nucleic acids may persist for up to 4 weeks following appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday - Friday
Analytic Time

Specimens received Sunday-Thursday 1-day TAT
Specimens received on Friday or Saturday 2-3 days TAT

Soft Order Code
STISC / CGMSC / CGTSC / CGSC
MiChart Code
STI Panel, patient collect
Synonyms
  • CGMSC
  • CGSC
  • Self collect STI
  • STISC
  • CGTSC
  • STI Self collect
Laboratory
Microbiology
Section
Microbiology
Specimen Requirements
Collection

Instructions for patient collected vaginal specimen collection:
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 Multitest Swab Specimen 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 clockwise 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 Multitest Swab Specimen 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 at the score line against the side of the tube.
7. Immediately discard the top portion of the swab shaft.
8. Tightly screw the cap onto the tube.

Contraindications
This assay should not be used for the evaluation of suspected sexual abuse or other medico-legal investigations where chain of custody is required. Mlabs does not offer chain of custody testing.
Normal Volume
1 Aptima multitest swab specimen collection kit (orange)
Minimum Volume
1 Aptima multitest swab specimen collection kit (orange)
Storage Temperature
After collection, swab specimens in transport tubes can be stored at 2ºC to 30ºC for up to 30 days.
Rejection Criteria
The following specimens are unacceptable: Aptima unisex swab, white shaft cleaning swabs, wooden swabs, Calgiswabs, BD Eswabs, BD ProbeTec transport, M4-RT transport.
Billing
CPT Code
87491,87591,87661,87563
Fee Code
32301,32302,LA008,LA022